Maratus amabilis Karsch 1878 Amiable Peacock spider

Male Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, 420 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives NSW
Mating pair  Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW
Male  Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW
Mating pair and male with literature
Male Mt. Kaputar

Maratus amabilis is the earliest described and therefore the type species for Peacock Spiders. The large black spots on the flaps of this species were mentioned in the original description. Ornamentation of the eye region and fan differs in each location where M. amabilis is found. The female rotates her abdomen 180° during sex. It is found in bush and heath in eastern NSW on the coast and inland and extends through Victoria, on the coast and in the hinterland. It is not part of any group of species, being quite distinct. If anything it may be connected with the pavonis splendens group. ♀ 5.5 mm ♂ 4.5 mm