What Do Peacock Spiders Look Like?
Maratus volans are known for their remarkable colors and intricate patterns.
They measure between 4 to 5 millimeters in length and have a highly compacted body shape.
They have bright colors of black, orange, yellow, and blue, but the most spectacular colored features are their Dancing Flaps.
These flaps on the tip of the abdomen fan out and can be used to create amazing patterns, making them one of nature’s most beautiful wonders.
Their heads are flat and triangular, and they have large, pronounced eyes.
Several long, spindly legs extend from their body and they have two more pairs of legs underneath their head and abdomen that they can use to help with jumping and balance.
As they walk, their bodies jiggle along in an undulating fashion.
The underside of Peacock Spiders’ abdomens features a set of bristles and tufts that they can use to sense their environment.
They also have a unique set of organs that help them vibrate their abdomens.
Benefits Of Using Peacock Spiders
Using Peacock Spiders in vivariums is an excellent way to add variety and interest to your enclosure.
As active, shy, and colorful creatures, these spiders add a unique and captivating dynamic to any tank.
Not only do they make for an attractive addition to a terrarium, but also provide an undisturbed environment for your other inhabitants.
Since Peacock Spiders are small and solitary, they rarely conflict with other animals in a shared space and are generally undisturbed by the presence of other species.
Furthermore, the colorful and exotic looks of Peacock Spiders make them a great way to liven up an enclosure with some striking and eye-catching beauty!
Peacock Spider Facts
Peacock Spiders are small, vibrant arachnids found in Australia and New Zealand, boasting incredible hues and designs.
These colorful little creatures typically live up to a year and thrive on a diet of small insects and mites.
Maratus volans are generally not aggressive, making them ideal pets when handled properly, and females can lay eggs and reproduce in captivity.
Habitat
The preferred habitats of Peacock Spiders are grassy and shrubby open woodlands, which offer plenty of migratory opportunities.
These spiders often migrate annually in search of new mates and habitats.
They create burrows or retreats in ground litter and have the instinct to hide from visual predators.
As a result, they can accidentally be brought indoors in sheet litter, leaves, and logs.
They prefer warm and humid conditions, which has allowed it to spread all across Australia.
Although not widely observed yet, there are a few records of these spiders in other countries such as Singapore, where they have been increasingly spotted in recent years.
Replicate their natural habitat perfectly with our bioactive species-specific soil mixes, designed to provide the ideal moisture and organic content for your arachnids.
Diet
In the wild, Maratus volans mostly feast on small insects, such as ants and other spiders.
They will also eagerly take on decaying organic matter, such as dead insects and other tasty morsels.
When it comes to food, Peacock Spiders are very much opportunistic feeders.
In their natural habitat, they have been known to eat scavenged food such as rotting fruits and nectar.
Temperament
Peacock Spiders are generally quite gentle around humans and other animals.
They display no aggression and don’t make any sort of sound when they interact with people.
They’re quite shy and prefer to be left alone, making them a great pet for those looking for a low-maintenance companion.
Despite their shy nature, they are still fascinating creatures to observe, offering us an interesting glimpse into the world of arachnids.
In the wild, Peacock Spiders may socialize with other spiders within the same species. Males may even perform elaborate courtship displays.
These displays are usually done to attract a mate, and it can be very interesting to observe, albeit from afar.
When in captivity, however, Peacock Spiders should not be housed with other animals, as they may become stressed due to the lack of privacy.
It is also important to note that, though rare, Peacock Spiders may bite if provoked.
Lifespan
The natural lifespan of Maratus volans is typically 1 year, although they have been known to live longer in captivity.
They are a solitary species, with each spider living alone and defending its territory.
As with other spiders, the life cycle of the Peacock Spider goes through several stages of growth, starting with the egg sac and ending with the adult stage.
During the juvenile stage, the spider molts several times to shed its juvenile exoskeleton and make room for growth.
As it matures, the Peacock Spider will show signs of sexual maturity and begin to display its vibrant coloring and courtship behavior.
Breeding
Peacock Spiders have a complicated yet fascinating mating ritual.
A male Peacock Spider will first perform an elaborate dance to attract the attention of its mate.
This includes flicking its legs, displaying brightly colored abdominal appendages, and even some jumping or running.
Once a female has given the male its approval, the courtship leads to copulation.
After mating, the female will lay her eggs in clumps of leaf litter or bark crevices, and the eggs will hatch a few weeks later.
The young spiders will then disperse and begin their own independent lives.
Males reach sexual maturity within their first few months of life, while females take longer.
A single female can produce up to three egg sacs during her lifetime, each of which may contain up to 200 eggs.
Once the eggs hatch, the spiderlings go through several instar stages before molting into an adult.
Where To Find Peacock Spiders
Finding Peacock Spiders in the wild can be a little bit challenging since they are often quite small and blend into their environment.
In Australia, where they are native, you can find them amongst grasses and on tree bark in wooded areas.
In other parts of the world, such as Europe, they are often brought in as decorative items.
If you’re looking to buy a Peacock Spider, there are a few options available.
Firstly, you could visit pet shops and reptile stores in your local area.
Alternatively, you could purchase them online from reputable breeders.
Some breeders specialize only in Peacock Spiders, while others offer a variety of spiders and other arachnids.
