🕷️
Tiny Dancing Machine
Male peacock spiders perform elaborate dances while flashing brilliant colors — but if the female isn't impressed, she'll eat him.
Peacock Spider
Maratus
These tiny spiders perform elaborate mating dances with colorful flaps and leg waves — but if the female isn't impressed, she eats him.
Vital Stats
🏷️ TypeJumping spider (arachnid)
🌍 Found InAustralia — various habitats from sand dunes to rainforests
📏 Size3-6mm
⏳ Lifespan~1 year
🔞 Sexual Maturity4-6 weeks after final molt
💕 Mating SystemFemale choice — unimpressive males are eaten
📅 Mating SeasonSpring (August - November in Australia)
👶 OffspringFemale lays eggs in silk sac
🍆 Penis Size1.0 mm
⏱️ Sex Duration10 seconds
🔬 Notable AnatomyMales have brilliant rainbow-colored abdominal flaps raised during dances up to 60 minutes long
⚖️ Sexual DimorphismMales brightly colored with flaps; females brown and larger