Gallery: New Species of Peacock Spider Dances for You (And Sex)

  • New Species of Peacock spider
    01

    New 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/).
  • Peacock spider hinder
    02

    Peacock 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/)
  • Closeup of spider abdomen
    03

    Close-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/).
  • Tiny Dancer
    04

    Tiny 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/).
  • Head banging in spiders
    05

    Head 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/)
  • Awkward
    06

    Awkward

    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/)
  • Cutest. Baby. EVAR
    07

    Cutest. 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/)
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