Peacock Spider 11 (Maratus pardus)

Courtship behaviour of the peacock spider Maratus pardus, which lives around Esperance in Western Australia
Music in order of appearance
Adrift in time (Igge Scoce)
Nothing's the same now (Marco Pesci)
Manhunter (Igge Scoce)
Time (Marco Pesci)
Zimmermatic (Igge Scoce)
Stills of this species
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[@TheoryTheory2222]

Strange how in this one the female also has a set of gestures unlike the females from previous videos

[@MrPooPooJohn]

Many female jumping spiders do actually (on occasion) have their own little courtship dances and rituals. However, to capture a display as complex as this for such a long duration and in the wild! is exceptionally rare. This guy truly has some of the best footage of wild jumping spiders ever recorded.

[@billeastwick4510]

This is the greatest love story ever told...

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks Bill, glad you like it

[@PgTrAxX]

wiiiiii :p also, i see a womans face on the female back @3:27: ) crazy nature

[@giovanna8187]

Wild!

[@PJBovio]

Boy oh boy!!!! This is the first video where I've seen the female of the species so demanding and aggressive!! Instead of just standing there waiting for the male to approach her, this female does a wild dance of her very own: "I want it and I want it NOW!!!"

[@manfredmannigan1399]

5:13 "I'm gonna boop ya on the head. I'm gonna do it! Ah-ah-ah... *Boop* Hahahaha! *Runs away*

[@Torn80cj]

The female seemed to mimic the male to keep him from wanting to mate her. I believe she was trying to trick him into thinking she was another male. She not only shook her back side, she also raised and moved the third legs like the males do.

[@Peacockspiderman]

That's an interesting idea, I haven't thought about that !

[@Torn80cj]

Peacockspiderman I really believe that is what she was doing, and you actually got it on video. I hope you find some more peacock spiders, each species you have recorded on camera has been amazing.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Torn80cj Would make sense. Yes I have found a few more peacock spiders. If I don't get enough footage of them at least I will publish still photographs

[@masontaft1368]

Still a better love story than Twilight

[@TheAdmiral14]

They mate like the male is defusing a bomb. "Careful...careful...slowly now, don't panic..."

[@LightSwitch72]

First spider ive ever seen where i didnt feel completely repulsed.

[@Blackheathenly]

You should work on that.

[@cherryfaith4877]

Why would you feel that way 🤔🤔🤔 And of course you don't with these little guys, they're absolutely adorable... 💖🕷️☮️

[@LisaODavis]

You must have the BEST job in the whole world!

[@vikingtimbo]

Amazing video! My first thought is that it's incredible that you overcame the formidable technical challenges in getting the footage: getting a clear view through all the obstructions; keeping the camera stable; and focusing on the respective spiders etc. And not to mention the patience it takes to finally find yourself in the right place at the right time, and the skill in not accidentally interfering with the spiders' behaviour. The female's attacks earlier in the proceedings were lighting fast and I think the male deserves credit not just for evading them, but also for his persistence in the face of such danger. Dating can be a bit daunting for human males but it's not quite THAT threatening! Luckily the story had a happy ending and I'm sure the couple made lots of beautiful spiderlings together :-)

[@Peacockspiderman]

Yes, there are many challenges here, and I end up with 99% rubbish. Keeping the camera stable is my main challenge. Fortunately the software is able to fix some of the jitters, but at high magnification like the scene where the male waves one leg even my pulse introduces vibration. Fortunately the spiders are quite oblivious to the filming, they are just interested in each other. Finding the spiders was challenging, I knew roughly were they were, but couldn't find any at first and was close to giving up. Then the weather at Cape Le Grand is extremely variable to say the least. I agree, the male's persistence remarkable, it seems almost crazy !

[@1337fraggzb00N]

These spiders seem to be like "YAAAYYYYY!" all day long :D

[@ValeriePallaoro]

I actually think this is one of your best. It has a story arc. The production is excellent too, the change at 1.48 could be smoother but as a 'love' story - this one really rocks! Loved it too bits

[@Peacockspiderman]

+Valerie Pallaoro thanks, nice feedback. I too thought it was quite good, even it is not the most popular

[@Charlibren]

loving the VARIETY of music while observing the world of the Peacock Spider, GREAT CHOICES and flow. Perfect videos... informative comments.... thanks kindly.....

[@Ch4oTiK]

Lol man, out of most of the ones I've seen tonight these dudes seem to have it the roughest. Most of the other females just seem to leave when not interested or just watch very intently. These women straight up attack these dudes. It was crazy to see how quick the reactions were. Like 2:28 - 2:37, holy shit man.

[@Nyerguds]

Jumping spiders are fascinating creatures, and these colourful fellows even more so. Wonderful camera work!

[@Beerlover2007]

This video was amazing to watch in a full HD LED TV, Amazing creatures as well! Don't quite understand why everyone is scared of spiders!

[@berer.]

its the bit where they jump and bite things

[@Aghjkddd]

They're so comfy.

[@mumblealice17]

I think it's just people are weirded out by creepy crawlies :3 though I have to say I don't know why people would be scared of these ~ they have massive cute eyes and do a funny mating dance! XD

[@Camphreneas]

Beerlover2007 I’ve first seen mating dances of peacock spiders, and they’re the only species of spider I tend to look at and not get scared because of how fascinating it is to watch them do their dances. (I still tend to back away from the video, but still manage to watch the entire thing)

[@TheGamiingNetWork]

That video quality is perfect and the mating dance is awe inspiring.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks for the feedback, very encouraging !

[@joerg966]

Awesome footage. I admire the patience it requires to document this amazing behaviour. Thanks for sharing!

[@Peacockspiderman]

my latest video, hope you will enjoy it

[@michaelangelo3986]

you guys should make some funny voice-over parody to this video :) Really enjoyed it!

[@cyberswaggie]

with the breeding season this spring I am interested in having my primary school class collect specimen on the nsw northwest plains. Are there any peacock spiders described in this area? We know there are jumping spiders with coloration but no-one has ever described peacocking behavior here. where can I get info on collection, observation tips?

[@Peacockspiderman]

cyberswaggie there is one interesting one I found last year at Nyngan, and I am still on the lookout for one in Sturt National Park

[@Peacockspiderman]

cyberswaggie I saw you mentioning Amy Guess, yes, sure, if she wants to use my videos that would be an interesting project, maybe suggest it to her

[@adobemastr]

This video is great, but your choice of music is regrettable and detracts from what would otherwise be an excellent presentation.

[@BoNomadic]

Im in love with these spiders. The way they dance and hold themselves, its like there dancing. This is by far the most amazing spider and footage ive ever seen. The only spider that does not make me scared and the only spider that amazes me.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Glad you enjoyed this

[@BoNomadic]

:D

[@deec5420]

This is so incredible. It looks like he has a feather on his bootie. Super photography.

[@ArdyBlakleyProGeek]

Searched for break dancing peacocks and found something I also did not think youtube would have. Amazing footage. Im not a big fan of spiders but I still enjoyed watching several of your videos. Your virtuosity in observance is outstanding.

[@TheresiaSwiebel]

Thank you for this nice videowork Jurgen Otto! I love to see this!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@TheresiaSwiebel]

I love your nice work Peacockspiderman! Thank you!:)

[@derBene]

These spiders seem to be the most shy creatures on this earth, haha.

[@MakeItWayne316]

I never thought I would ever say this about a spider but it's so cute! lol

[@TheoGoddefroy]

Stunning little critters. Thanks for sharing.

[@Tismesue]

I have never seen this female's actions before Jürgen, and (before I read differently) I assumed it was her displaying her willingness by giving him full view of her epigynum! Another beautifully filmed video. Thank you :)

[@boogathon]

If only human females would do that, it would make mating much easier! _"Hello there, Miss. I noticed you waving your epigynum at me..."_ ~𒆞^𝔔⫸

[@goldvisor]

Really like watching those little guys and girls do their thing.. subscribed

[@wioi]

Wow. First time I have ever seen a female spider to try to do the same dance. Never seen it before.

[@XRedDaggerX]

really hope you post more. these little fellas are awesome.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Depends a bit on whether I find additional species, but I hope I can keep going for little while

[@PJBovio]

BREATH-TAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!

[@thewitchbasket]

Love these guys.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Love the videos as usual... I have peacock spiders where I live in Perth Western Australia. I first spotted them at my brothers house, and took some pics. I have since moved near the darling range and found more out my big back yard, there fun to watch, I've caught them carefully both a male and female and put them on a pot plant on a table and the male spotted her and started waving his arms.....

[@Peacockspiderman]

Nathan Chisholm enjoy watching them, I am glad you found some

[@danielm.1849]

so lucky. I live in U.S., so I can't experience the real thing.

[@NathanChisholm041]

to bad daniel i think you would love watching them...

[@munthanarasimharao8436]

Amazing videos never seen before ,the spiders dance,great back ground music .All are good.

[@GrooveMan21]

Actually looks like a woman's face on her abdomen. Incredible.

[@arturcmaia]

You have captured some precious fragments of natural history. My congratulations! I am always looking forward to seeing what will come up next in here

[@bramwellt]

Absolutely beautiful photography. Thank you for sharing.

[@MrPooPooJohn]

I can’t imagine the amount of time, work and patience required to obtain this footage. I wish I would have discovered this years ago. Amazing.

[@janepajon]

I love you and love what you do peacock Spiderman !

[@Peacockspiderman]

***** Thanks Jane, good to know there is somebody who likes me too, not just my spiders !

[@simonprecheurllarena]

these jumps occur so precisely and so fast! these spiders, along with many other species, could be considered as very interesting models for biomimicry

[@VeryEpicComputerGuy]

How do you make spiders so adorable? why am I cheering on spiders?

[@Peacockspiderman]

VeryEpicComputerGuy I am not making them adorable, they are :)

[@Goatisme]

VeryEpicComputerGuy Spiders are so adorable and misunderstood , thinking about their treatment makes me cry ... Fuck people who hate out of fear and superficiality. Theres no shame in empathy and compassion.Sigh.

[@janedoex8345]

because they have tiny fluffy beards and fluffy legs and dance like hyperactive hairy ballerinas?

[@Susanbel1]

Wonderfully done! What an awesome capture and the music is perfect. I'm left astounded!

[@BRUMARTUBE]

Ah! Nice to see that the female can also participate in the preliminaries! Wonderful video!

[@BRUMARTUBE]

Hmm... I see below that Torn80cj, who knows a bit on the Salticidae, interpret this as the female mimicking a male to keep him from wanting to mate her. Those damn spider females are terrible!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks for comment

[@LuziannMan]

Amazing video. When the female put her abdomen up I was like "Don't do it bud its a trap!!" Lol

[@biodiversiteavecpassion7448]

Beautiful, bravo.

[@jcims]

Absolutely amazing!!! Beautiful creatures, expertly captured and wonderfully produced.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thank you, love your comment

[@lancethrustworthy]

Your peacock spider videos are wonderful. You have reason to be proud. Bravo.

[@EPSTomcat11]

Amazing!!! Thank you for sharing this with the world :-)

[@simonprecheurllarena]

absolutely beautiful !

[@lynaaa006]

AWE SO CUTE

[@verenachang]

Lieber Herr Otto, ich bin hingerissen. Ich liebe ja schon unsere schlichten einheimischen Springspinnen, aber diese Tänzer und Komödianten sind wirklich bezaubernd. Vielen vielen Dank für diese großartigen Videos. Gabriela Graf

[@chrisnewbery-davies8190]

Lovely Jumping Spider.

[@Kevimilk]

lol they are cute, very interesting animals.

[@dianepowers1481]

Amazing work! Thanks for sharing with the world…I would not have known about these spectacular little old men and their funny white "beards" which I guess are mandibles? The colors are extraordinary.

[@Peacockspiderman]

diane powers Amazing isn't it, how animals that are so colourful and have such interesting behaviour remained hidden.

[@carllindqvist6790]

I love your videos! These spiders are absolutely stunning! And just so adorable. Thanks a lot for your hard work!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Pleasure, comments like yours make it worthwhile

[@romanwilliwildlife]

amazing footage! respect from switzerland

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thank you !

[@danieltaradaj611]

incredible.

[@staticgamer4668]

There so tiny and so beautiful. How do you manage to find them to film them as there so small. There the cutest things I ever seen. I would love to watch this in the wild with my own eyes if I could but as I can't your video's are the next best thing keep it up

[@juanitamoreno2459]

¡Que maravillas hace Dios ! gracias por compartir.

[@ArielPerryMills]

SO CUTE!

[@anacarolmsc]

Peacockspiderman Your videos are AMAZING!! Keep 'em coming :)

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks ! I will keep filming...

[@levelx-cell9374]

never seen a spider pop lock!

[@ValeriePallaoro]

OHMYGOD!!! THAT FEMALE IS DANCING TOO!!! I did not know this!!

[@Peacockspiderman]

That's their way of telling the male to go away

[@ValeriePallaoro]

Oh .. .please no! (Well, you learn something new every day, sad to say)

[@boogathon]

@@Peacockspiderman Better than eating him. And thanks for that extra bit of knowledge!

[@code8841]

I'm already enjoying this👏👍

[@montiago123]

So much effort you spend on taking this video.... Your videos are very fascinating. Good job!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks Stevo B

[@thomasvcf]

Both the visuals and the background music are stunning! Still gives me the creeps and I'm itchy all over now, damn spiders, but the video is worth the torture!

[@Mayheme1]

Absolutely stunning Jurgen :)

[@johnnyyusuke3450]

Great video! And awesome music choice. I think you caught a new fan of your work. :)

[@DominoPianomusic]

Wonderful video, great images & sound ! Such an amazing experiences of insects life, thanks for posting it

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks, love your feedback

[@PEAKCENTURY]

This is why we must legislate, pay, and fight for this planet. What glorious creatures we get to share this globe with.

[@davedowner8593]

Is number 12 in the works? How about 'Sparklemuffin?' Love your talent, JO.

[@zjem_ci_lodowke]

WOW! Super spiders! I like you very much, I also have an interest in these animals! :)

[@trondamundsen]

These spiders, and your videos, are just mindblowing! Just looked up your paper on the genus - excellent pioneering work, too! Superb!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Trond Amundsen Thanks Trond, nice comment, and from somebody who clearly is an expert in the field

[@ChristianSegonne]

magnifique, très beau, merci du partage.

[@Ichigor87]

Female spider twerking

[@LeDoc89]

So creepy, and yet so amazing :D

[@ridgwanwelfred4034]

2:22 In human life it's like giving double middle fingers to your enemy when they failed to catch you. Thanks for the nice educational video btw

[@Peacockspiderman]

Glad you enjoyed it !

[@juicyfruit6810]

Lol they move like they're buffering each motion before they can make it

[@Face761]

BRAVO! 🕷🕷🕷

[@boogathon]

*_Whoa!_* Around 4:45 she stick da bootie rat up _in_ de air, an' waggle it all roun'! Spidey dude, he be sayin'... "Oooh, baby! Yo' muffin smell so _goo-o-od!_ Ima twist yo' hairy thang roun' an' put deez pedipalps rat *_IN_* dat sweet thang!" . Or is the local dialect spoken somewhat differently in Oz than in East LA? Kudos for these excellent spider vids, BTW!

[@Cynnx7]

I loved the music on this video especially, use music similar to this more please! Amazing video and I hope you can do more

[@Peacockspiderman]

Always nice to get positive feedback on the music. It is very difficult to select tracks.

[@VictorVargas_]

Still better love story than Twilight haha (never gets old)

[@R0XxD]

Great video! Edited to perfection, I love it. A thumbs up from me! ;D

[@johnbestevaar372]

Surprised that the female had a set of moves in response to his. Is that typical of this species or an isolated case?

[@Peacockspiderman]

+John Bestevaar The females of most species I have seen behave in that way. They signal to the male that they are not interested in mating by raising their opisthosoma and wiggling it around.

[@janedoex8345]

Peacockspiderman in human behaviour this would be severely misunderstood ^^

[@cyberswaggie]

I just synced Amy Guess - Coming Up For Air to this cos I saw ur comments. It was beautiful. Let her use ur footage for her song and get it on ABCTVs Rage!

[@Peacockspiderman]

If she wanted to we could team up

[@JOSEHENRIQUEDEROSA]

Excellent video !!!! Hugs!!!! *CHERRY FILMS STUDIOS*

[@rustyironrob]

Hee hee. From about 3:16 to 5:00, the female is twerking. Thanks for being so patient to put together this excellent video.

[@cidacidadi7618]

Ainda bem que deu certo. Ocorreu a copulação. Valeu o esforço.

[@marialuke2116]

He has a pretty pattern. :>

[@animeaunty]

This one pedipalps look like a cute little old man beard.

[@renachristina]

Ich bin von der Arbeit, solche Vorgänge rechtzeitig zu filmen, sehr beeindruckt. Wie viel Zeit wirst Du investiert haben für dieses Video , Es sind wirklich zauberhaft schöne Spinnen. die ich während meines sechswöchigen Aufenthaltes in Westaustralien nie gesehen habe, Tolles Video. Hoffentlich bekommt dieses Paar viele Nachkommen, die Überleben. Gruß Rena

[@Peacockspiderman]

Diese Spinnen sind nicht einfach zu finden, es wundert mich nicht dass Du sie nicht zu Gesicht bekommend hast. Danke fürs feedback

[@TatersBD]

Now is the time ven ve dance

[@kylenarad]

geile Viecher! Danke fürs teilen!

[@azur690]

nature is so fucking amazing!!!

[@kirishima638]

They would be good at directing traffic

[@RipitSlipit]

Spider dialogue translation when arms in air and showing colors "Hey can you see me ? FUCK ME. FUCK ME. OVER HERE. FUCK ME" Yup

[@Nyerguds]

To be fair, it's more like "Please let me fuck you? No? Aw. Pleeese? Still no? Aw. Let's see if I can woo some other lady, then."

[@atomikbbt]

Nyerguds ah ha ha ha ha!!! XD

[@noodle2015]

As you can see the male tries to tame the savage beast that is his partner.

[@TumainiKigelia21]

I wonder whats that sound when she is dancing.

[@gwang3103]

Never imagined the love affair between Peter Parker and Mary Jane was so troubled and complicated.