The Sparklemuffin Peacock Spider Dances to Entice Mates

This Maratus gemmifer a close relative of Maratus jactatus, the newly discovered "sparklemuffin" peacock spider. Robbie Goodall / Getty Images

The sparklemuffin peacock spider (Maratus jactatus) is a tiny spider that lives up to its vivacious name. This dazzling arachnid was given its moniker in 2015 by UC Berkeley PhD student Maddie Girard after they were discovered in Wondul Range National Park in southern Queensland, Australia.

Peacock spiders in general are unassuming to the naked eye. But when filmed through a microscope, they become a social media stars, with their psychedelic colors and mating dances that rival any choreographed routine.

The sparklemuffin peacock spider is a newer species of peacock spider. Singer Suki Waterhouse named her 2024 album "Memoir of a Sparklemuffin," inspired by the lore that female spiders will eat male spiders if they are unimpressed by their courtship dance. Let's take a look at this flashy spider with a big reputation.

What Do Sparklemuffin Peacock Spiders Look Like?

These are very, very small spider species. Adults typically measure about 0.16 to 0.2 inches (4 to 5 millimeters) in length.

As is the case with other peacock spiders, the Maratus jactatus males are the stars of the show, sporting vivid colors on their abdomen, including reds, blues and oranges. These colors aren’t just for show; they play a crucial role in their elaborate courtship rituals.

The females are less flashy, with more muted brown and gray tones that help them blend into their surroundings.

Sparklemuffin peacock spiders are members of the jumping spider group Salticidae, which is the largest spider family, and they can jump distances up to 50 times their own length. Their large front eyes give them exceptional vision, which is essential for spotting prey and avoiding predators.

Where Do Sparklemuffins Live?

Sparklemuffin peacock spiders, like most other Maratus spiders, are found in Australia, particularly in open woodlands, scrublands and grasslands.

Maratus jactatus prefers habitats with plenty of vegetation and leaf litter, where they can hunt for prey and find shelter from predators.

Their small size and excellent camouflage allow them to hide effectively in their environment, whether they're blending into the soil or taking cover under leaves. These spiders are well-adapted to their surroundings, thriving in areas where other predators might struggle.

Social Habits

Sparklemuffin peacock spiders, like most spiders, are solitary creatures. But the males become highly social during mating season.

Male peacock spiders perform an intricate courtship dance to attract the attention of the females. This display involves raising their brightly colored abdomen, waving their legs and vibrating their bodies to create a visual and auditory spectacle.

For "dancing spiders," these courtship displays are not just about looks. They're also a test of the male's coordination and stamina. If the female is impressed, she'll mate with the male. If not, the male risks being chased away or even eaten, making every performance a high-stakes event.

What Do Sparklemuffin Peacock Spiders Eat?

Maratus jactatus are carnivores, and meaning these spiders eat small insects and other arthropods. Like other jumping spiders, they rely on their excellent vision to locate and stalk their prey. Once they're within range, they use their ability to jump to pounce on their target.

Despite their small stature, they play an essential role in controlling insect populations.

Peacock Spider Discovery

The first peacock spiders, Maratus volans and Maratus speciosus, were discovered in 1874 by British arachnologist Oktavius Pickard-Cambridge, and new peacock spiders were discovered as recently as 2020.

Named after the clown fish from "Finding Nemo," Maratus nemo was discovered by a citizen scientist in Mount Gambier, Australia. It has a vibrant orange face with white stripes.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.