Identify coastal peacock spiders in Australia by tiny size, Western Australian coastal dune habitat, orange fan fringe display and jumping spider clues. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000. Poisons advice: 13 11 26.

Photo credits

Jean and Fred Hort CC BY 2.0 · Jean and Fred from Perth, Australia CC BY 2.0 · Jean and Fred CC BY 2.0 · Jean and Fred Hort CC BY 2.0

Maratus speciosus

Coastal Peacock Spider Identification in Australia

Tiny Western Australian peacock spider from coastal dune vegetation, with males showing orange fan fringes during display.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

SizePin head to pea

Colours / marksRed or orange marking, Yellow or gold, Black or very dark, White or pale marking, Patterned

Web clueNo capture web

Usually foundCoastal sand-dune vegetation, low plants, leaf litter, native groundcover and nearby garden foliage in south-western Western Australia, especially around the Perth coastal region.

First aid / what to do now

Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
Wash the bite area with soap and water.
Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
Call 13 11 26 or seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, spreading, infected-looking, allergic, or you are unsure what bit you.

This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.

How to identify the Coastal peacock spider

Very small jumping-spider body with large front-facing eyes
Male may show bright orange fringes around the raised fan during display
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

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check the location and scale first: a tiny Maratus-style spider on WA coastal vegetation is a stronger clue than colour alone. A close photo is usually 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 the Coastal peacock spider is usually seen in Australia

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.

How it differs from lookalikes

These comparisons are clues, not a confirmed species ID. Use several features together: body shape, size, location, web type and behaviour.

Banksia peacock spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the location and scale first: a tiny Maratus-style spider on WA coastal vegetation is a stronger clue than colour alone. A close photo is usually needed to separate it from other peacock spiders. For the other possibility, check: Check the location first: this is a south-west Western Australian peacock spider. Look for tiny size, jumping-spider eyes, low vegetation or leaf litter, and any colourful male fan display. Compare with common peacock spiders, coastal peacock spiders and other Maratus species if the pattern is unclear.
Common peacock spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the location and scale first: a tiny Maratus-style spider on WA coastal vegetation is a stronger clue than colour alone. A close photo is usually needed to separate it from other peacock spiders. For the other possibility, check: Check the size first: common peacock spiders are tiny. Look for jumping-spider eyes, short jumps, low vegetation or leaf-litter habitat, and any colourful male fan display. Compare with coastal peacock spiders, garden jumping spiders and other Maratus species if the abdomen pattern is unclear.
Orange-legged swift spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the location and scale first: a tiny Maratus-style spider on WA coastal vegetation is a stronger clue than colour alone. A close photo is usually needed to separate it from other peacock spiders. For the other possibility, check: Check for the stop-start running behaviour, orange front legs, black-and-white markings and no capture web. Compare with swift ground spiders, wolf spiders and ant-mimic spiders if the leg colour is unclear.

Common comparisons

People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.

Coastal peacock spider vs Banksia peacock spidersame region, similar size Coastal peacock spider vs Common peacock spidersame region, similar size Coastal peacock spider vs Orange-legged swift spidersame region, similar size Coastal peacock spider vs Peacock spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

WAWestern Australia

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Coastal peacock spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.

Use the spider identifier for a possible Coastal peacock spider Identify Coastal peacock spider by picture clues Coastal peacock spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Coastal peacock spider in WA

Reference notes

How this guide stays cautious

Spider Identifier Australia uses visible clues to suggest likely possibilities. It is not a medical diagnosis or a formal species determination.

Australian Museum spider informationAustralian spider identification, biology and dangerous spider context.
Australian Museum funnel-web spidersFunnel-web range, identification and bite-safety context.
Poisons Information CentreCall 13 11 26 for poisons advice from anywhere in Australia.

Common questions

Coastal peacock spider FAQ

Is the Coastal peacock spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Peacock spiders are not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.

How do I identify the Coastal peacock spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very small jumping-spider body with large front-facing eyes; Male may show bright orange fringes around the raised fan during display; 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 should I do if I think I was bitten by a Coastal peacock spider?

Clean the area, use a cold pack for pain, and seek medical advice if pain is severe, symptoms spread, infection signs appear, or you are unsure what bit you.

Where is the Coastal peacock spider usually found?