MOTHERHEADBUG

Flying Peacock Spider, Maratus volans, Salticidae Found in Australia

The red, blue and black colored males have flap-like extensions of the abdomen that can be folded up or down and is used in mating dances to attract females. Females are plain brown and black (last photos).

Photos by Jurgen Otto (1), mattcampbellaus (2), johneichler (3), laz (4-5), Robert Whyte (6-8), and lek (9-10)

The courtship dance is a must-watch!

[ID: excerpt from “Denouement,” a poem by Adélia Prado

Thought you’d enjoy these. First five images are a male ogre faced spider I found in my garden in november last year.

Last three images are what I assume to be a female of the same species considering the identical eye placement and similar structure. Assuming a female because it’s lacking those swirly bauble appendages. Found her (?) just yesterday.

Both of them were very curious about the camera.