Maratus rainbowi
Rainbow Peacock Spider (Maratus rainbowi) Identification
An extremely small Australian peacock spider with a bright adult-male courtship fan; current catalogues use Maratus rainbowi while much literature uses Maratus splendens.
Usually low riskThe Rainbow peacock spider is a tiny jumping spider in the family Salticidae. The World Spider Catalog accepts the name Maratus rainbowi, but many photographs, papers and older field accounts use Maratus splendens for this same taxonomic history. A clear adult male can show a striking red-and-blue display pattern, yet colour alone cannot identify a female, juvenile or an unrelated small Maratus.
Quick identification
- Extremely small salticid with the large forward-facing eyes typical of jumping spiders
- A mature male can show a flattened patterned abdominal fan with red, cream, blue or purple elements
- Moves as an active visual hunter and does not use an orb or other prey-capture web
- The labels `Maratus rainbowi` and older `Maratus splendens` need taxonomic context before comparing images
What to check next
Start with tiny salticid form, a sharp dorsal adult-male view and a documented location. Keep female, juvenile, side-on or colour-shifted photographs at peacock spider or Maratus level unless an expert confirms the species.
When to seek medical help
Rainbow peacock spiders are not among the Australian spiders highlighted by healthdirect as medically dangerous. Avoid handling. For a suspected bite, wash the area, use a wrapped cold pack for local discomfort and seek medical advice for severe or worsening symptoms, or if concerned.
Where it is usually seen
Ground-layer vegetation, leaf litter and low sheltered vegetation in documented parts of Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. A garden or bushland setting is supporting context only; retain the wider habitat view and locality with any photograph.