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Maratus volans (O. Pickard-Cambridge 1874) Flying Peacock Spider

The 'Flying Peacock Spider', like all other Maratus spp., does not fly. The 'wings' are for courtship display. This Maratus is widespread throughout Australia, abundant on the coast of New South Wales at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park near Sydney, Seal Rocks on the coast about 80 km NE of Newcastle, and Coolah Tops an inland site about 200 km NW of Newcastle. It has also been photographed at Warburton 70 km east of Melbourne, and near Brisbane, in southeastern and central Queensland, as well as from Thornton Peak in tropical North Queensland.

Male from above Crows Nest


Maratus volans
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from above Crows Nest


Maratus volans
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from side Crows Nest


Maratus volans
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from side Crows Nest


Maratus volans
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from side Crows Nest


Maratus volans
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from above Crows Nest


Maratus volans
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from side closeup Crows Nest


Maratus volansa
Photo: Robert Whyte

Maratus volans from Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park near Sydney


Maratus volans
Photo: Jurgen Otto

References


  • PECKHAMIA 96.1, 1 December 2011, 1―27 - An illustrated review of the known peacock spiders of the genus Maratus from Australia, with description of a new species (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryinae) Jürgen C. Otto and David E. Hill
 
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