Posted on 11/28/2009 5:49:06 AM PST by Daffynition
When we think of spiders, us Brits tends to imagine the black and brown creatures that thrive in dry corners and give us a fright when we least expect it.
Australians, the other hand, are privy to much more exciting sights, as these pictures of the 'peacock spider' prove.
While it may be eight-legged like every other spider, this one has an impressive mating ritual to attract a partner.
It shows off a rainbow of colours to impress nearby females by fanning out two brightly patterned flaps at the back of his body.
Displaying its spectrum of shades in an attempt to attract the attention of the less vibrant brown spiders, the creature reveals hues of orange, yellow, green and blue.
Also known as a Moratus Vilans, amateur photographer Jurgen Otto originally spotted the colourful creature in the wild.
However, as it is only 4mm long, he found it easier to capture images in his Sydney home.
Interesting!
“Yo baby! Yo baby!”
It’s the same for every living male that God created.
Very beautiful spider. I had not heard of it before.
So...it attracts females by making itself look....bigger?
Only found in Australia, they were classified as species Maratus volans because people originally thought the flap was for gliding after jumping. Wiki
I just love jumping spiders! This one is now my fave!
This one is poisonous
How bizarre is that?!
The pattern strongly resembles a scarab beetle design to me.
My Wasp will kick your Spiders butt.
[IMG]http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h296/Hwyman_2006/gr12.jpg[/IMG]
“Only found in Australia, they were classified as species Maratus volans because people originally thought the flap was for gliding after jumping. Wiki”
What a bunch of rocket scientists.
They couldn’t figure this was for attracting a mate based upon looking at the female of the species?
Works for me.
pea cock spider.....There’s the real clue...
Yea real cute, but get one hooked on a little Crack and see what happens to these little guys. Horrifying.
SPIDERS ON DRUGS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHzdsFiBbFc
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