Maratus Volans: the amazing peacock spider

What does a peacock spider look like: photo

Description of the spider

Name: peacock spider
Latin:flying maratus

Class: Arachnida - Arachnida
Squad: Spiders - Araneae
Family: Jumping spiders - Salticidae

	Habitats:	grass and between trees
	Dangerous for:	small insects
	Attitude towards people:	not dangerous

Spider-peacock family member horses, one of the smallest. Females and males are very different from each other, but not in size, but in appearance.

Peacock spider.

The spider lives up to its name. He was nicknamed the peacock for the fluffy "tail" on his abdomen. These are bright multi-colored plates that are wrapped around the body at rest.

Previously, these folds were thought to have functions similar to insect wings. However, this theory has not been confirmed.

Females, in comparison with such a motley male, seem completely nondescript and gray. They are brownish, sometimes slightly beige.

Distribution and habitation

Tiny peacock spiders are one of the brightest representatives fauna of australia. However, it is also rare, found only in two states - New Wales and Queensland.

Multi-colored crumbs live in the grass, on trees and plants. Despite the size of the spider, he is a good and active hunter. Jumps quickly and over long distances, examines prey at a distance of 20 cm.

marriage ritual

The little spider maratus volans has a very interesting way of attracting its nondescript female to mate with. It happens like this:

1. Seeing a female, he straightens his belly.
2. He picks up a third pair of knife.
3. It starts to move, flashing a bright tail.
4. It moves rhythmically from side to side and shakes its bright belly.

So the bright peacock spider demonstrates its splendor and colorfulness, fights for the honor of becoming a sexual partner.

But even here everything is not simple. If the young lady liked this entertainment, she mates with a spider. But if not, it becomes dinner.

A small spider and its flirting can only be seen in a macro lens. On the video you can see the process of flirting.

Hunting and food

The peacock is part of the family of horses. He hunts during the day, thanks to good eyesight and a view of almost 360 degrees, his jump is always accurate. These same qualities make it possible to hunt prey, which in grooves exceeds the size of the animal itself. This:

Peacock spiders and people

Very small animals are not a threat and do not bite humans. They just physically can't do it.

Some representatives of the jumping family, which include the peacock spider, are grown by people at home. But unfortunately the bright guy is not intended for this due to the short lifespan and small size.

In the photo and video, people can only be touched by the ritual that a brightly decorated man performs in front of a nondescript young lady.

Conclusion

The peacock spider is definitely on the list of the most beautiful spiders on the planet. It does no harm, but only sheer tenderness. But this little cutie is actually a brave and cunning hunter.