Fauna
Arachnid

Flying Peacock Spider

Maratus volans

Also known as Peacock Spider, Gliding Spider

Male flying peacock spiders perform one of the animal kingdom's most elaborate courtship dances, unfurling iridescent abdominal flaps like miniature fans while rhythmically vibrating their third pair of legs. Females observe these complex audiovisual routines with acute tetrachromatic vision, assessing color symmetry and vibratory tempos before deciding whether to mate or attack the suitor. Outside of courtship, both sexes stalk the leaf litter as agile ambush predators, utilizing keen eyesight and explosive leaps to snatch small invertebrates.

ArachnidColorfulDiurnal
Flying Peacock Spider reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFruit flies, Springtails, Leafhoppers
Predators
  • Assassin bugs
  • Small birds
  • Mantids
ThreatsHabitat clearance, inappropriate fire regimes, and pesticide runoff
HabitatsDry sclerophyll forests, woodlands, coastal scrub, and suburban gardens
Life span1 year
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilySalticidae
  3. GenusMaratus
  4. SpeciesMaratus volans
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Field gear: Bring a high-magnification macro lens or hand lens to appreciate their tiny, vivid patterns.
  • Search technique: Scan sunny leaf litter, low shrubs, and fallen twigs during warm spring mornings.
Related species
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