Maratus pavonis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maratus pavonis |
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The Maratus pavonis, also known as the common peacock spider, is a tiny, colorful jumping spider. These amazing spiders are found only in Australia. They live in several parts of the country, including Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
What is a Peacock Spider?
Peacock spiders are a type of jumping spider. They are known for their incredible ability to jump, which they use to catch prey and escape danger. The Maratus pavonis is quite small. The first male ever studied measured only about 4.34 millimeters (0.17 inches) long. That's smaller than a grain of rice!
Why Are They Called "Peacock" Spiders?
The name pavonis comes from the Latin word pavo, which means "peacock". This name was chosen because the male spiders have bright, beautiful colors, much like a peacock's feathers. They use these colors to attract females during their special courtship dance.
Male vs. Female: A Colorful Dance
Only the male Maratus pavonis spiders are brightly colored. The females are usually duller in color. When a male wants to impress a female, he performs a unique dance. He lifts and waves his long third pair of legs, which are often decorated with patterns. He also raises a colorful flap on his abdomen, showing off his amazing patterns. This dance is a key part of how these spiders find a mate.
