Maratus electricus is similar to M. linnaei Waldock 2008 and both species are placed in a new clade, the linnaei group. Males of the two species can be identified by the distinctive decoration of their fan. The species name refers to the presence of red parallel lines on the fan of the male that resemble electrical connections on an electronic circuit board. Maratus electricus was found on the banks of Lake Muir in Western Australia, among low-lying herbacious plants that covered the sandy soil in slightly elevated areas only meters away from the edge of the lake. ♀ 5.8 mm ♂ 4.9 mm
Male displaying
Photo Jürgen Otto
Mating pair
Photo Jürgen Otto
Female
Photo Jürgen Otto
References
- Otto, J. C. and D. E. Hill. 2017 - Five new peacock spiders from Western Australia (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini: Maratus Karsch 1878). Peckhamia 152.1: 1-97.
