Have you ever seen a spider dance? I haven’t but, trust me, I’ve been looking. Witnessing the elaborate courtship dance of Peacock Spiders belonging to the Maratus family, is a not to be missed event. Easier said than done though when the dancers in question tend to range from 2-6mm. Seriously tiny. But as spring has sprung now is the perfect time to start searching for these eight-legged gems.

While female Peacock Spiders are dressed down in mottled greys and browns, come spring the males have moulted into their breeding finery; iridescent greens and violets, metallic blues and reds, their bodies plumed and fringed, ready to woo a potential mate. Luckily for those of us hunting for Peacock Spiders, it’s these attention-grabbing colours that help catch our eye. 

For the females though, a bit of sparkle alone is not enough to win her over. Instead the males perform an intricate courtship ‘dance’, waving their third legs in the air, flipping their intricately patterns abdomens upwards to perform a dance that is unique to each species. The female waits, and ‘listens’ for the vibrations that he makes with his body. This dance is not just to be seen, but to also be felt. 

Peacock Spiders are endemic to Australia and found everywhere from eucalyptus-lined bush tracks, desert-like environments, beach-based sand dunes, and even in backyards and parks. One of the more recently described species, Maratus nemo (yes, named after that famous fish), was discovered in marshy wetlands, habitat previously considered unusual for spiders in this family. They really could be anywhere!

For Illawarra locals new to Peacock Spider hunting, my best advice is to first get a hang of spotting ants. I know, we’re looking for spiders and who wants to waste their time on ants? (although trust me, ants are awesome especially the golden ones with armoured spines – a story for another time, no doubt). But getting used to spotting tiny ants as they rush through leaf-littered tracks and along twigs gets your eyes accustomed to minuscule movements in large environments. 

Now, choose a nice sunny day and head out for your favourite bush walk. I really like walking some of the tracks around Mt Keira and have found three different species of Peacock Spiders on one particular path at Darkes Forest. You’re looking for flashes of colour or movement. Most of these species live below waist height, so keep your eyes downward. They could be jumping amongst leaf litter or bouncing on low-lying branches and taller grasses. When you do spot a bit of movement, you’re going to want to get a closer look so – apologies to my hips – this does mean squatting down or getting on your hands and knees. Be prepared for lots of questions from passers-by!

And then you wait. Where there is one Peacock Spider, there is usually more and where there is more there is usually a female about to be danced to. At least that’s the theory! You'll find me in the dirt, patiently waiting for the performance of a lifetime.