Maratus vespa

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Maratus vespa
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Salticidae
Subfamily: Salticinae
Genus: Maratus
Species:
M. vespa
Binomial name
Maratus vespa
Otto & Hill, 2016

Maratus vespa is a species of the peacock spider genus, Maratus , characterised by its distinctive courtship display. [1] The male spiders are characterized by a bright abdomen, lateral flaps, and an elongated third pair of legs. When attempting to attract a mate, the male spider will raise its colourful abdomen and elongated third pair of legs and wave them, along with extending its lateral flaps. This complex display of courtship is analogous to that of a peacock, hence the common name of this spider species. [2]

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References

  1. Otto, Jürgen C.; Hill, David E. (22 May 2016). "Seven new peacock spiders from Western Australia and South Australia (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini: Maratus)" (PDF). Peckhamia. 1 (141): 1–101. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  2. Girard, Madeline B.; Endler, John A. (2014-07-07). "Peacock spiders". Current Biology. 24 (13): R588 –R590. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.05.026 . hdl: 10536/DRO/DU:30071661 . ISSN   0960-9822. PMID   25004358.

Further reading