Jurgen Otto found this species in 2014 while travelling in northern NSW. It is the only male peacock spider Jurgen has seen displaying to the female by raising its first pair of legs, not its third pair. Its abdomen is unusual too, some has coloured scales, while some is completely smooth and shiny. The most fascinating aspect however is the enormous fringe of colourful hairs, like a feather boa. Similar fringes are also present in Maratus speciosus, Maratus chrysomelas and Maratus nigromaculatus, but the one in this species takes the cake.
- Displaying with its first pair of legs
- Male displaying to female
- Displaying in the foliage
- Females this way
- A Maratus with a fringe on top
- Displaying with two legs
- Displaying with one leg
Displaying with its first pair of legs
Photo: Jürgen Otto
Male displaying to female
Photo: Jürgen Otto
Displaying in the foliage
Photo: Jürgen Otto
Females this way
Photo: Jürgen Otto
A Maratus with a fringe on top
Photo: Jürgen Otto
Displaying with two legs
Photo: Jürgen Otto
Displaying with one leg
Photo: Jürgen Otto