If you have arachnophobia, a fear of spiders, then look away. This video features the colorful and exotic looking Maratus volans, or peacock spider, which is a species in the jumping spider family. They are found in certain parts of Australia, including the island of Tasmania, and pose no threat to humans. These types of spiders don’t even need to spin webs because they have the ability to jump and snatch their prey straight out of thin air.
In this YouTube video uploaded by Peacockspiderman, an oddly beautiful coastal peacock spider puts his colors to work when trying to attract a female mate, hence the comparison to a peacock. This particular type inhabits the coastal dunes around Perth in Western Australia. The blue, red, and black colors it displays are on a flap like extension of its abdomen, which can be raised and lowered.
They also have a third pair of legs that can be raised in display and clapped to further help attract the ladies. When the male approaches a potential mate he vibrates his abdomen while simultaneously waving his raised legs and tail. As if that is not enough he also dances from side to side. This mating ritual can last from as little as four minutes up to as many as fifty.
When the female, the brown spider at the end of the video, views this complex display she may be interested and choose to mate with the male. There is the risk that she may already be carrying eggs, or just not impressed. If she is not interested she may attack, kill, and feed on him, but if he is quick enough, he can escape by jumping long distances to get away from the angry female.
Check out the video to witness the bizarre and intricate mating ritual. You may just learn a new dance move and appreciation for the cute tiny spiders!
Please SHARE With Family and Friends
