Coastal Peacock SpiderMaratus speciosus
Quick facts
- Rarity
- Legendary
- Active during
- Midday
- Found in
- Dusty Canyons
- Length
- 0.5 in
- Wingspan
- 0.5 in
From the field notes
Hunting Tactics
Instead of spinning webs to catch food, these spiders stalk small insects like miniature cats. They use their powerful jumping abilities to pounce and secure their meal.
The Flying Myth
Early collectors once thought these spiders might use their colorful folded-up flaps to glide through the air. However, their brilliant capes are kept strictly for the dance floor, not for taking flight.
Wining & Dining
To begin his courtship dance, the male raises his colorful flaps, vibrates his body, and waves his legs in the air. If he misses a step or the female is unimpressed with his dance, she will eat him.
Eyes
These spiders have a total of 8 eyes. The two massive front ones are high-definition so females can best enjoy the dance of the males. Their remaining 6 smaller eyes surround the head, giving them 360° vision.
Field Marks
The vibrant patterns on the male's unfurled abdomen flaps create an optical illusion: a glaring face with two dark eyes and a bright red nose.