undisputed 1,664 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 (edited) On a walk around the bush in Australia, entomologist Jurgen Otto came across a tiny insect he'd never come in contact with before—the Peacock Spider. The scientist says, "When I came to Sydney I was a bit bored because there wasn't enough to photograph but now I don't want to live anywhere else. I think it's probably the most beautiful spider in the world." The arachnid, scientifically known as Maratus volans, is a mere 5mm in size and is capable of quickly escaping a scene and jumping erratically. Yet, what defines the spider best is perhaps its unusual likeness to peacocks. Like male peacocks with their exuberant tail feathers, the male peacock spiders are equipped with beautifully colorful flaps that rise up like a fan, displaying an unbelievable radiance and richness in breathtaking patterns. The males of this species are the only gender with colorful flaps so as to attract the females. They put on a bit of a show to win them over. Otto manages to capture these stunning spiders up-close just as they partake in an elaborate mating ritual. As can be observed through these collection of photos, the spider peacock's performance involves revealing its colorful extensions. Additionally, the spider raises two legs and vibrates while shifting from side to side, in an attempt to woo its female counterpart. Unfortunately, if the dance does not impress the female spider, the male could wind up becoming the female's prey. Be sure to check out Otto's video, below, displaying the exotic creature's incredible process. Edited January 3, 2013 by undisputed 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
undisputed 1,664 Posted January 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 On a walk around the bush in Australia, entomologist Jurgen Otto came across a tiny insect he'd never come in contact with before—the Peacock Spider. The scientist says, "When I came to Sydney I was a bit bored because there wasn't enough to photograph but now I don't want to live anywhere else. I think it's probably the most beautiful spider in the world." The arachnid, scientifically known as Maratus volans, is a mere 5mm in size and is capable of quickly escaping a scene and jumping erratically. Yet, what defines the spider best is perhaps its unusual likeness to peacocks. Like male peacocks with their exuberant tail feathers, the male peacock spiders are equipped with beautifully colorful flaps that rise up like a fan, displaying an unbelievable radiance and richness in breathtaking patterns. The males of this species are the only gender with colorful flaps so as to attract the females. They put on a bit of a show to win them over. Otto manages to capture these stunning spiders up-close just as they partake in an elaborate mating ritual. As can be observed through these collection of photos, the spider peacock's performance involves revealing its colorful extensions. Additionally, the spider raises two legs and vibrates while shifting from side to side, in an attempt to woo its female counterpart. Unfortunately, if the dance does not impress the female spider, the male could wind up becoming the female's prey. Be sure to check out Otto's video, below, displaying the exotic creature's incredible process. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
undisputed 1,664 Posted January 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 On a walk around the bush in Australia, entomologist Jurgen Otto came across a tiny insect he'd never come in contact with before—the Peacock Spider. The scientist says, "When I came to Sydney I was a bit bored because there wasn't enough to photograph but now I don't want to live anywhere else. I think it's probably the most beautiful spider in the world." The arachnid, scientifically known as Maratus volans, is a mere 5mm in size and is capable of quickly escaping a scene and jumping erratically. Yet, what defines the spider best is perhaps its unusual likeness to peacocks. Like male peacocks with their exuberant tail feathers, the male peacock spiders are equipped with beautifully colorful flaps that rise up like a fan, displaying an unbelievable radiance and richness in breathtaking patterns. The males of this species are the only gender with colorful flaps so as to attract the females. They put on a bit of a show to win them over. Otto manages to capture these stunning spiders up-close just as they partake in an elaborate mating ritual. As can be observed through these collection of photos, the spider peacock's performance involves revealing its colorful extensions. Additionally, the spider raises two legs and vibrates while shifting from side to side, in an attempt to woo its female counterpart. Unfortunately, if the dance does not impress the female spider, the male could wind up becoming the female's prey. Be sure to check out Otto's video, below, displaying the exotic creature's incredible process. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
corpse 16 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 (edited) that is a beauty matey Edited January 3, 2013 by corpse Quote Link to post Share on other sites
paulus 26 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 was looking at some of them on facebook "i love fooking science" pages last week awsum arachnid Quote Link to post Share on other sites
whippet 99 2,613 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 very pretty mate........ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pip1968 2,490 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 some things in this world are amazing Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Nature is just too good for words.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The one 8,479 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Very nice Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mrspinguu 35 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 wow they amazing! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jeppi26 1,855 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Amazing I used to av a chillian Rose but not as nice as that good pics Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j j m 6,539 Posted January 4, 2013 Report Share Posted January 4, 2013 mhe interesting Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Outside man 8 Posted January 16, 2013 Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 Exellent that is Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tegater 789 Posted January 16, 2013 Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 Amazing...... Wish I could tie a few flies out of them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nige hutchison 617 Posted January 16, 2013 Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 What a crackin wee creature, great shots to. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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