Maratus speciosus
Coastal Peacock Spider Identification in Australia
Tiny Western Australian peacock spider from coastal dune vegetation, with males showing an orange-yellow fan fringe during display.
Usually low riskThe Coastal peacock spider is Maratus speciosus, a tiny jumping spider of south-western Western Australia. It is best treated as a cautious species comparison when a very small Maratus is photographed on coastal dune plants, low shrubs or leaf litter near Perth. The raised fan, orange-yellow fringe and independent third-leg signalling are useful clues in a sharp adult male photograph, but a still image of a female, juvenile or folded fan often supports only a broader peacock-spider result.
Quick identification
- Very small jumping-spider body with large front-facing eyes
- Adult male may show a red-striped blue fan edged by orange-yellow and pale setae
- Western Australian clue, especially coastal dune vegetation near Perth and the south-west coast
- Hunts on low plants or ground-level vegetation rather than using a capture web
What to check next
Check the location, scale and whole body first. A tiny Maratus on south-west WA coastal vegetation is a useful regional clue, while the orange-yellow fan fringe and asymmetric third-leg signalling support an adult male comparison. A close photograph is still needed to separate it from other peacock spiders.
When to seek medical help
Peacock spiders are not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where it is usually seen
Coastal sand-dune vegetation, low plants, leaf litter, native groundcover and nearby garden foliage in south-western Western Australia, especially around the Perth coastal region.