AlanJG

Special things come in samll packages is epitomised by this group of Australian spiders

http://www.amusingplanet.com/2012/12...ck-spider.html

"To get the attention of the female spider the male first waves his legs, vibrate his abdomen and moves from side to side. He also raises his third legs which have a brush of black bristles and the white-tipped ends. And then like a peacock, he raises the two magnificently coloured flaps and dances for the female. It’s this final act that has earned the spider, and indeed the whole genus Maratus, the name of Peacock Spider. "

Bokhara2

What a fabulous little fellow! Thanks Alan.

stormbird

Hi Alan - how cute is that? Thanks so much for sharing and I have to admit I have never heard of the Peacock Spider before.

Susan7

And more thanks for sharing, he is marvellous!

dottyp

Wow! considering his size he is overwhelming. Thanks, Alan.

AlanJG

I keep trying to avoid "bugology" but if i was to take it up, spiders would be an interesting choice. Of the insects I think that parasitic wasps are pretty cool. We have a wide range of species in the garden.

A few days ago I saw the smallest cuckoo wasp I have ever seen. These wasps lay their eggs in the nests of other wasps and are bright emerald green with a blue refractive quality. Usually around 10 - 20 mm (3/8 - 3/4 an inch for those still waiting to catch up with the rest of the world) this little fellow was only 6 mm (1/4") long.

Diamantina

Thank you. Such beautiful little creatures! "Peacock" is a perfect name for them; their coloration reminds me of the feathered headdresses of New Guinea tribesmen or of Brazilian Carnaval dancers.

stormbird

I absolutely love spiders as well Alan! Fascinating to watch a web under construction.

Toucan2

Normally spiders creep me out, but since you posted it Alan I had to look. I even admit to its beauty, although now I keep swiping imaginary spider webs away from my face.

AlanJG

Toucan, these guys are so small you may not even feel them on your face.

I saw a most beautiful hairy jumping spider today. Most Jumping spiders are shiny but this one had tufts of cream, ochre, brown and dark gray hairs. At lest speaking from ignorance I think it was a jumping spider.

Toucan2

A jumping spider?! This does not make me feel better. I believe spiders are best observed from afar. At least far enough that the cannot jump on you.

farrermog

Thanks Alan. Much more refined than the mating ritual of larger packages, like the male hippopotamus and some of our footballers.

Toucan - best to leave them be -

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/washing-ma...202-2drag.html

Toucan2

Yikes. I prefer to simply back away.

AlanJG

But wouldn't you be drawn into eyes like this?
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/...g-spider-kids/

and for info on the family try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_spider

Toucan2

Oh good Lord no, Alan!