THE tiny, yet delightful, peacock spider (Maratus volans) is native to Australia and they are the only spiders that "dance" to attract a female mate.
Peacock spiders are part of the jumping spider family, which is the world's most diverse and abundant spider family, with over 500 genera and more than 5000 species, (more than 13 per cent of all spiders).
Local photographer and peacock spider 'enthusiast' Jodie Kuhne, has had these tiny arachnids in the sights of her camera lens for about six years and says they are very common in our area.
"The smallest known peacock spider is only 2.5mm while the largest is only 5mm, so trying to find them is the biggest challenge," Jodie said.
"You are looking for something that's half the size of a grain of rice and can camouflage extremely well so being patient is a must."
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Jodie has found a lot of different species of Maratus in the North East and around Melbourne and says from the moment she came across her first peacock spider, she was addicted to finding more.
"Part of that addictiveness is that every year new species of peacock spiders are being found so there's always a good chance of finding a new one, which would be pretty amazing," Jodie said.
"There is a species that someone found in the Warby–Ovens National Park last year that I'm yet to find and photograph, but I can't wait to get out there again this year to see if I can find it myself."
Peacock spiders are most active during spring when they come out to feed and breed, however some species are active during the summer as well.
Maratus Griseus is the most common species and can be found under river stones in residential garden beds or any area that has river stones.
It can be found all year round but is more active in the spring while species that live higher in the mountains will come out in spring and summer.
Species that live in hotter climates will be out towards the end of spring and into early summer.
Jodie has found Maratus Tasmanicus along the Mornington Peninsula in the grasses along the beach but says there are numerous species to be found locally.
"You can find the Maratus Harrisi at Mt Buffalo, Maratus Vespertilio, Maratus Pavonis, Maratus Inaquosus (just recently described), Maratus Calcitrans and Mataus Plumosus in the Mt Pilot–Chiltern National Park, Maratus Vespertilio, Maratus Pavonis, Maratus Inaquosus and Maratus Calcitrans up in the Warby–Ovens National Park and Maratus Volens is found high in the hills around the Beechworth and Bright areas," she said.
"Having the right conditions is important – the best days to find them will be on a beautiful sunny day with little to no wind.
"Of course sometimes you can spend the entire day out in the bush and not find a single Maratus and then the next day they will be everywhere."
While the high and excitement of potentially coming across a peacock spider never dampens, Jodie said that you do have to be constantly aware of your surroundings.
"Kneeling down for hours while scanning the ground can be physically draining and you have to keep an eye out for dangers from other animals such as ants, insects, other spiders or even snakes.
"Depending on where you are, there might be old mine shafts or animal holes, flooded streams or slippery rocks, so always make sure someone knows where you are, or go out searching with a friend."
Jodie said that most people will have seen a jumping spider around their home or garden, but probably wouldn't realise it was a peacock spider because they are one of only a few that aren't colourful.
"They but still dance for a female, but most people wouldn't think to watch them," Jodie said.
"Maraus Pavonis is the most common colourful peacock spider which can be found locally in town near creeks, gardens, residential areas and bushland and watching them dance and display for a female is amazing."
When a male peacock jumping spider with his brightly rainbow–coloured body comes across a female, he knows he has just one chance to impress her and have the chance to mate with her.
He will approach her slowly, carapace almost on the ground until they are about a body length away.
If the female doesn't flee, the male will follow a specific sequence in an intricate courtship ritual: the third legs are rotated to the front over the first and second legs, while he retracts his colourful fan flaps; the third legs are lowered and spread apart as they tremor; the first legs will be held erect in front of the body almost touching the female.
"I love the variety of colour on the males – most of them are very colourful and have patterns on their abdomens which might be red, blue, purple, green, pink, yellow or a mixture of a number of colours," Jodie said.
Peacock spiders are not poisonous and only mildly venomous and are not known to bite humans.
"The peacock spiders I have come across are very curious and they will happily watch you with no fear," Jodie said.
