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 riskNemo peacock spiders are tiny Maratus jumping spiders described from the Mount McIntyre and Nangwarry area of South Australia. They are useful to compare when a very small wetland or marsh spider has large forward-facing eyes, orange-and-white facial markings and short jumping-spider movement rather than a capture web.
Quick identification
- 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 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 it is usually seen
Ephemeral wetlands, marshy vegetation, shallow water edges and swampy ground-layer plants around the Mount McIntyre and Nangwarry region of South Australia.