Maratus pavonis
Common Peacock Spider Identification Australia
Tiny southern Australian jumping spider, famous for colourful male courtship displays and active leaf-litter hunting.
Usually low riskCommon peacock spiders are tiny Australian jumping spiders best known from southern Australia. Males can show bright orange, blue, black and white abdominal patterning during courtship, while females and juveniles are plainer and easier to mistake for other small jumpers. Their small size, large front eyes, jerky movement and no-web hunting style make them a useful comparison for other peacock spiders and garden jumping spiders.
Quick identification
- Very tiny jumping spider, often only a few millimetres long
- Male may show orange-red, blue, black and white fan-like abdominal markings
- Large front eyes and short jerky jumps rather than a capture web
- Usually noticed on leaf litter, low plants, dry ground or garden edges in southern Australia
What to check next
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.
When to seek medical help
This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Avoid handling it and seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where it is usually seen
Leaf litter, low plants, dry garden edges, scrub, heath, woodland edges and ground-layer vegetation across southern Australia, including parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales.