Photo credits
Octavius Pickard-Cambridge Public domain · Nigel Main CC BY 4.0 · Jürgen Otto CC BY-SA 2.0
Maratus species
Peacock Spider Identification in Australia
Tiny colourful jumping spider, with males known for bright display patterns and courtship dances.
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 Peacock spider
- Very small jumping spider
- Colourful patterned male
- Large front eyes
- Often found on ground or low vegetation
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check size first: peacock spiders are tiny compared with most house spiders.
When to seek medical help
Medical issues are unusual; seek advice for unexpected symptoms.
Where the Peacock spider is usually seen in Australia
Leaf litter, low plants, grassland, gardens and bushland.
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.
- Jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check size first: peacock spiders are tiny compared with most house spiders. For the other possibility, check: Look for eye arrangement and jumping movement rather than web clues.
- Ant-mimic spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check size first: peacock spiders are tiny compared with most house spiders. For the other possibility, check: Look for eight legs and spider-like eyes when it pauses.
- Flower spider / crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check size first: peacock spiders are tiny compared with most house spiders. For the other possibility, check: Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves.
Common comparisons
People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.
Compare this spider by state
Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.
Similar spiders to compare
Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.
Next useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Peacock spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.
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
Peacock spider FAQ
Is the Peacock spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Medical issues are unusual; seek advice for unexpected symptoms.
How do I identify the Peacock spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very small jumping spider; Colourful patterned male; Large front eyes; Often found on ground or low vegetation.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a 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 Peacock spider usually found?
Leaf litter, low plants, grassland, gardens and bushland.
What spiders look similar to the Peacock spider?
Common lookalikes can overlap in colour, size, web type or habitat. Use the similar spiders and common comparisons on this page to check alternatives before settling on a match.
Can I identify the Peacock spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Peacock spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.