Maratus species
Peacock Spider Identification Guide Australia
An Australian group of 2–6 mm jumping spiders: mature males may have brilliant display scales and ornaments, while females and juveniles are usually cryptic.
Usually low riskPeacock spider is a group name for Australian jumping spiders in the genus Maratus, not one colour pattern. The practical first identification is a minute, alert jumping spider with two dominant front eyes and no capture web. Brilliant abdominal fans and dances apply mainly to mature males; females, juveniles and non-displaying males can look much plainer.
Quick identification
- Minute body, usually about 2–6 mm long without the legs
- Jumping-spider face with two very large forward-facing central eyes
- Compact, alert hunter that turns to look and moves in short runs or jumps
- Mature male may have coloured abdominal scales, fringes, flaps or an ornamented third leg pair
- No prey-catching web; usually on leaf litter, ground, grass or low vegetation
What to check next
Measure the body without the legs and take sharp macro photographs from the front and directly above. Record the location and date. If the spider is plain, confirm jumping-spider eyes and body shape first; a female or juvenile often cannot be assigned to a Maratus species from an ordinary photograph.
When to seek medical help
Peacock spiders are tiny and are not among the Australian spiders highlighted by healthdirect as medically dangerous. Avoid handling. For a suspected bite, wash the area and use a wrapped cold pack for local discomfort. Seek medical advice if pain is severe, symptoms persist or worsen, swelling or itching increases, or you are concerned. Call Triple Zero (000) for breathing difficulty, collapse or other signs of anaphylaxis.
Where it is usually seen
Leaf litter, low shrubs, grasses, heath, woodland, coastal vegetation and gardens. They roam while hunting and courting rather than sitting in a capture web, but may make a small silken shelter for resting, moulting or guarding eggs.