Gallery: New Species of Peacock Spider Dances for You (And Sex)
01New Species of Peacock spider
Male of the newly described species of peacock jumping spider, *Maratus avibus*. [Image @ Jürgen Otto](http://www.flickr.com/photos/59431731@N05/11795837474/).
02Peacock spider hinder
The male peacock spider has two flaps on the side of his abdomen that he can fold out for a shiny "fan dance." This rear view shows the flaps tucked away for travel. [Image @ Jürgen Otto](http://www.flickr.com/photos/59431731@N05/6301275297/)
03Close-up of spider abdomen
This species, *Maratus harrisi*, has a slightly different shape to its abdomen and lovely colors. This closeup shows the scales that make male peacock spiders so delightfully festive. [Image © Jürgen Otto](http://www.flickr.com/photos/59431731@N05/8303732026/).
04Tiny Dancer
Tiny Dancer: most peacock spiders are under 6mm. This species, *Maratus robinsoni*, is one of the smallest at 2mm. [Image © Jurgen Otto](http://www.flickr.com/photos/59431731@N05/8163433230/).
05Head banging in spiders
In the species *Maratus mungaich*, the male drums out a tune on the female's head as he moves in for mating. This is to reassure her of his good intentions and species identity. [Image © Jürgen Otto](http://www.flickr.com/photos/59431731@N05/6249134414/)
06Awkward
Spider sex involves a very awkward reach-around, right past the female's fangs. You can see the female is much larger than the brightly-colored male. This species is *Maratus amabilis*. [Image © Jürgen Otto.](http://www.flickr.com/photos/59431731@N05/6410752637/)
07Cutest. Baby. EVAR.
Still don't think jumping spiders are cute? This baby will win you over. This is a 2 day old Maratus pardus, and smaller than the head of a pin. Just like a baby sloth! Except with more legs. And it's a carnivore. [Image © Jürgen Otto.](http://www.flickr.com/photos/59431731@N05/11770575344/)
