Identify Nemo peacock spiders in Australia by Maratus nemo orange-white face, tiny jumping-spider size, South Australian wetland habitat and low-risk bite context. 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

Schubert J (2021) Maratus nemo: A new wetland species of peacock spider from South Australia (Araneae, Salticidae, Euophryini). Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 71-80. https://doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.5.64922 CC BY 4.0

Maratus nemo

Nemo Peacock Spider Identification in Australia

Tiny South Australian peacock spider with a bright orange-and-white face, wetland habitat clue and jumping-spider movement.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

SizePin head to pea body

Colours / marksOrange, White or pale marking, Brown, Black or very dark, Patterned

Web clueNo capture web

Usually foundEphemeral wetlands, marshy vegetation, shallow water edges and swampy ground-layer plants around the Mount McIntyre and Nangwarry region of South Australia.

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 Nemo peacock spider

Very small peacock spider with large forward-facing jumping-spider eyes
Male has a bright orange face crossed by white stripes, giving the Nemo name clue
South Australian Limestone Coast clue, especially Mount McIntyre, Nangwarry or nearby wetland country
Found on marshy vegetation or shallow wetland edges rather than in a large capture web

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check the location and habitat first: this is a South Australian wetland peacock spider. Look for tiny size, jumping-spider eyes, orange-and-white male face markings and marshy vegetation. Compare with common peacock spiders, banksia peacock spiders and garden jumping spiders if the pattern or location 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 the Nemo peacock spider is usually seen in Australia

Ephemeral wetlands, marshy vegetation, shallow water edges and swampy ground-layer plants around the Mount McIntyre and Nangwarry region of South Australia.

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.

Common peacock spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the location and habitat first: this is a South Australian wetland peacock spider. Look for tiny size, jumping-spider eyes, orange-and-white male face markings and marshy vegetation. Compare with common peacock spiders, banksia peacock spiders and garden jumping spiders if the pattern or location is unclear. 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.
Banksia peacock spiderMay overlap because of similar size, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Check the location and habitat first: this is a South Australian wetland peacock spider. Look for tiny size, jumping-spider eyes, orange-and-white male face markings and marshy vegetation. Compare with common peacock spiders, banksia peacock spiders and garden jumping spiders if the pattern or location is unclear. 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.
Fringed jumping spiderMay overlap because of similar size, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Check the location and habitat first: this is a South Australian wetland peacock spider. Look for tiny size, jumping-spider eyes, orange-and-white male face markings and marshy vegetation. Compare with common peacock spiders, banksia peacock spiders and garden jumping spiders if the pattern or location is unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check for a small jumping-spider stance, patterned fringed outline and northern/tropical location clue. A close photo is usually needed because the markings can blend into the background.

Common comparisons

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

Nemo peacock spider vs Common peacock spidersame region, similar size Nemo peacock spider vs Banksia peacock spidersimilar size, similar colour Nemo peacock spider vs Fringed jumping spidersimilar size, similar colour Nemo peacock spider vs Superb jumping spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

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

SASouth Australia

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Nemo 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 Nemo peacock spider Identify Nemo peacock spider by picture clues Nemo peacock spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Nemo peacock spider in SA

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

Nemo peacock spider FAQ

Is the Nemo peacock spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. 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.

How do I identify the Nemo peacock spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very small peacock spider with large forward-facing jumping-spider eyes; Male has a bright orange face crossed by white stripes, giving the Nemo name clue; South Australian Limestone Coast clue, especially Mount McIntyre, Nangwarry or nearby wetland country; Found on marshy vegetation or shallow wetland edges rather than in a large capture web.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Nemo 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 Nemo peacock spider usually found?