With years of professional experience studying Peacock jumping spider, I can confidently say these Peacock jumping spiders from the genus Maratus are among the most fascinating Australian jumping spiders in spider families. The males are famous for their colorful display and intricate mating dance, performed in a variety of habitats including semiarid regions, temperate regions, southern Australia, deserts, sand dunes, grasslands, savannas, and leaf litter in eucalyptus forests.
One species, Maratus griseus, is also found in New Zealand as an introduced species by humans. Viral photos and videos on social media have generated significant public interest, prompting scientists to collaborate and describe new species, with over 80 species officially recorded between 2011 and 2024.
The Peacock jumping spider is known for its extraordinary jumps, used to hunt prey, navigate, and evade predators. Male peacock spiders jump to avoid cannibalistic females and competing males, facing pressure to jump efficiently and jump rapidly. These miniature spiders, weighing just 2 milligrams, show remarkable acceleration and jumping abilities. The differences between male and female peacock spiders in how they undertake jumps are striking, as highlighted in a published study in the Journal of Experimental Biology, making the Peacock jumping spider one of the most known jumping spider species for enthusiasts and researchers.
Where are peacock jumping spiders found?
With years of professional experience studying peacock jumping spider, I can confidently say that these fascinating creatures are almost exclusively native to Australia, although the species Maratus furvus from China is sometimes mentioned historically in the genus Maratus, but it is poorly described and not considered a true peacock jumping spider. Most species are concentrated in the southern half of the continent, thriving in temperate regions, subtropical southwest, subtropical southeast, and a variety of tropical areas.
Some prefer coastal areas and beaches, while others inhabit mountain tops, swamps, or even desert-like environments. Along with David Hill, I have helped produce a Catalogue of Australian peacock spiders, including maps showing where each species has been found and detailed notes on their habitat and behaviour. The only species not yet included is Maratus nemo, which will appear in the next edition.
These tiny, colourful spiders are typically 2.5 to 6 millimetres in size. Adult male peacock spiders are often colourful, while female peacock spiders and juvenile peacock spiders are usually dull brown or grey. After discovering my first peacock jumping spider in the wild in 2016, I went on a month-long expedition to document new species, observing how these dancing spiders move and display their unique patterns. Each species shows subtle differences in behaviour, making them an incredible group of tiny spiders that continue to fascinate researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Diet of peacock jumping spider
Observing Peacock jumping spider in their natural habitat reveals that they are not fussy eaters and will hunt almost any small prey they encounter. Their diet mainly includes flies, moths, grasshoppers, winged ants (alate), wasps, and even other spiders. They can surprisingly tackle arthropods larger than themselves, demonstrating impressive skill and precision. During field studies, photographs have captured these daily hunters actively pursuing a variety of small insects, highlighting their adaptability and efficiency.
Unlike spiders that spin webs, Peacock jumping spider relies on stealth and patience, stalking their prey until they are within jumping distance. At the right moment, they pounce, sometimes catching their target midair, and deliver a deadly bite. Despite their effectiveness in hunting, Peacock jumping spider is not known to bite humans. Their combination of agility, strategy, and dietary versatility makes them one of the most fascinating species among jumping spiders.
Mating and reproduction
During the mating season, Peacock jumping spider in Australia are most active in the spring months, from August to December. The male begins his courtship ritual by climbing a high surface and waving his third pair of legs back and forth. When a female is spotted, he produces vibrations called rumble-rumps to draw her attention. Once she faces him, the male starts his mating dance, elevating his abdomen and spreading showy abdominal flaps while twitching and swaying his third pair of legs and rhythmically drumming his pedipalps. The display can last up to 50 minutes or until the female decides to mate.
Like many spiders, Peacock jumping spider are sexually cannibalistic, with some females known to eat males if the courtship attempt is unsatisfactory. At least one species, Maratus vespertilio, is also known for showy contests between males, adding competition to the mating ritual. These behaviors highlight the fascinating reproductive strategies of Peacock jumping spider and emphasize the complex social interactions that make them one of the most remarkable species in the jumping spider family.
How big is a peacock jumping spider?
Maratus australis was recognized as a distinct species of Peacock jumping spider in 2016. Despite being very small, measuring only 3–5 mm in length, it is an incredibly agile and capable hunter. These tiny spiders are among the most remarkable of the 6,000 species of jumping spiders, demonstrating extraordinary abilities despite their diminutive size.
A Peacock jumping spider can jump up to 40 times its body length, making it one of the most impressive leapers in the spider world. Their small size does not limit their strength or agility, and they are able to navigate their environment with remarkable precision. Observing Maratus australis provides a clear example of how even the tiniest Peacock jumping spider species can be both fascinating and highly skilled.
FAQ
How poisonous are peacock spiders?
Peacock jumping spider are generally considered harmless to humans. While they possess venom used to subdue prey, their bites do not cause serious medical issues. Most species may produce only mild effects if a human is bitten, such as slight irritation or minor redness. Their fangs are small, and the amount of venom injected is minimal, making them far less dangerous compared to other spiders.
The venom of Peacock jumping spider is primarily designed for predators avoidance and hunting prey, rather than harming large animals. These small spiders use their neurotoxic or digestive enzymes to immobilize insects and other arthropods efficiently. Despite being toxic to their prey, Peacock jumping spider do not pose a threat to humans, making them fascinating yet safe members of the jumping spider families.
What is the behavior of a peacock spider?
Peacock jumping spider are extremely lively and observant creatures. They move quickly across their habitats, constantly exploring and responding to changes in their surroundings. Unlike web-building spiders, they rely on stealth, jumping, and rapid movements to hunt small insects. Their agility and precision allow them to capture prey efficiently, making them fascinating to watch for both researchers and enthusiasts.
During the breeding season, Peacock jumping spider display extraordinary courtship behavior. Males perform elaborate dances, raising their legs, spreading their colorful flaps, and vibrating to attract females. These spiders also use quick jumps and defensive gestures to protect themselves from predators. The combination of curiosity, intelligence, and dynamic movements makes Peacock jumping spider one of the most captivating species among jumping spiders.
What is the nickname of the peacock spider?
The Peacock jumping spider is widely recognized by nicknames that reflect its vibrant patterns and energetic behavior. Often called the colorful spider, rainbow spider, or dancing spider, this tiny arachnid is a favorite among hobbyist and pet enthusiasts. Its male display during courtship dance, including showy flaps and flashy movements, has made it one of the most charismatic spiders in Australia. The miniature spider captivates observers with its visual display, earning it a reputation as a social media star and even a viral spider across platforms.
Beyond its nicknames, the Peacock jumping spider is an agile spider and spider performer, showcasing a remarkable mating display that highlights its tiny predator instincts. This exotic spider has fascinated researchers and casual viewers alike, admired for being eye-catching, flashy, and a true spectacle in the jumping spider world. Its unique movements and tiny dancer persona ensure it remains a standout species among other Australian spiders, combining beauty, agility, and charm in one small but remarkable creature.
What food do peacock spiders eat?
The Peacock jumping spider has a varied diet, feeding on a wide range of prey including small insects like flies, moths, ants, winged ants, grasshoppers, wasps, and even beetles. These tiny arthropods are captured using precise hunting techniques that involve stalking, pouncing, and jumping. Unlike web-building spiders, the Peacock jumping spider relies on stealth, precision, and adaptability to catch its natural prey, ensuring survival and nutrition.
As skilled daily hunters, these miniature spiders demonstrate remarkable feeding behavior. Their agile hunter instincts allow them to capture small arthropods midair, using a combination of bite, jumping, and well-timed hunting strategy. Being carnivorous and insectivores, Peacock jumping spider maximizes predator efficiency while maintaining energy for movement and courtship displays. Their ability to adapt and hunt various insect diet items makes them fascinating to observe for both enthusiasts and researchers.
Are peacock spiders friendly to humans?
The Peacock jumping spider is generally harmless and friendly to humans. Despite its small size, this miniature spider is curious and often observes its surroundings rather than acting aggressively. It does not spin webs to trap humans or pets, and its bite is not dangerous. These spiders rely on jumping, stalking, and hunting small insects for food, making them more focused on their prey than on people.
As a highly agile spider, the Peacock jumping spider may move quickly if disturbed, but it is not considered poisonous or a threat. Its curious behavior, combined with vibrant displays during courtship, makes it a favorite among hobbyists and pet enthusiasts. Observing this tiny arachnid allows humans to appreciate its agility, precision, and unique personality without any risk, making it one of the most charismatic spiders in Australia.
What is the lifespan of a peacock spider?
The Peacock jumping spider typically has a short lifespan, ranging from 1 to 2 years depending on the species and environmental conditions. Most of its life is spent as a juvenile spider, growing and developing its jumping abilities, agility, and courtship skills. Adult Peacock jumping spiders reach their full size quickly and focus on mating, hunting, and survival during their remaining months.
Environmental factors like habitat, food availability, and predation can influence the longevity of these tiny arachnids. In captivity, with consistent nutrition and safe conditions, some Peacock jumping spiders may live slightly longer than in the wild. Their short but vibrant life is marked by extraordinary behavior, colorful displays, and active hunting, making every stage of their lifespan fascinating for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
The Peacock jumping spider is a remarkable species, admired for its vibrant colors, extraordinary jumping abilities, and intricate courtship dances. From their varied diet and agile hunting strategies to their fascinating behavior and friendly nature toward humans, these miniature spiders showcase a unique combination of agility, curiosity, and charm.
Their short lifespan is filled with activity, discovery, and social interactions that make them a favorite among researchers, hobbyists, and pet enthusiasts. Observing the Peacock jumping spider offers insight into the captivating world of jumping spiders and highlights why this tiny arachnid continues to capture attention and admiration across the globe.