AG Reader Photo of the Week: footloose, but lady free

This week’s reader photo of a male peacock spider in full courtship display was captured by Tom Sayers, a PhD Candidate from the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne.

By AG Staff • Reading Time: < 1

“At only 5 mm in length, this male Maratus tasmanicus is trying to impress a female just out of shot. Only during courtship when they begin to dance do they unfurl their incredible display. Despite his impressive dance moves, the female wasn’t interested on this occasion,” says Tom.

“Ever since I saw a peacock spider at one of my field sites I’ve been hooked on trying to photograph more species. This specimen was found co-occurring with Maratus albus at the Altona Foreshore Reserve, Melbourne.”