Meet the Common Peacock SpiderArticle | Updated 7 years ago Common Peacock Spider WA Museum The Peacock Spider, or Maratus pavonis, is a terrestrial invertebrate found across southern Australia, including Tasmania. Common Peacock Spider Image copyright WA Museum Appearance This tiny spider grows up to a maximum length of 0.5cm for females, and 0.4cm for males. The male’s abdomen is very colourful, which is why this arachnid has been named after the peacock. He has two red symmetrical crescents that surround a central red spot on a blue background. This pattern extends onto short flaps, which fold away when they are not being used. Females are dull brown or grey colour, and have a foliate pattern on their abdomen. Mating Dance In order to attract a mate, the male Peacock Spider waves his third legs and raises and expands his abdomen in a miniature mating dance – a little bit like a Peacock shaking his tail feathers! Can you see them? These spiders are common in bushland areas and domestic gardens, but are very hard to spot due to their size. They are free ranging throughout low shrubs and leaf-litter, and like to prey on the small insects that they find in these habitats. A Peacock Spider will construct a silken retreat when moulting or guarding egg sacs.