Peacock Spider 20 (Maratus tortus)

peacock spider from the southwest of Western Australia with a courtship display like no other. The spiders are a little over 3 mm in length, to put this into perspective.
also check out my Vimeo channel for this spider, I will be uploading many more clips there
vimeo.com/albu...
Still images of this species
www.flickr.com...
Check out my website peacockspider.org and follow me on facebook
/ peacockspider
For all licensing requests contact [e-mail]

[@janedoex8345]

The way she lifted her tiny head at 1:56 ! ....Those tiny things are so cute, their body language is really impressive !

[@Peacockspiderman]

These are the scenes I also greatly enjoy and try to put into my videos. I have a few more like that but sadly can't fit everything into my clips without making them too long

[@tomaspabon2484]

And when the world needed him most, he vanished. Miss you peacockspiderman

[@astropipe.]

It's so cool to see that they seem to know what they exactly can do, like this lovely guy has the lashes and uses a completely different dance to use them in their fullest potential.

[@staudinga]

That pan-out with one spider waving from the right is worth an award.

[@Peacockspiderman]

nice that you noticed ! I have done quite a few of those panning sequences, but couldn't show them all. I think it is fun and conveys the distance or proximity these spiders are at

[@jettavrsix]

I just want to thank you for producing such beautiful, interesting and vital content. There is so much human narcissism on KZbin that makes it hard for me to see value in humanity. And then I happen upon a channel like yours documenting the fantastic wonders of our planet and how these beautiful moments can be found in the smallest spaces and tiniest creatures. As I watch your videos, they give me a meditative, calming effect, they are fascinating and I love seeing the diversity in the species. I would really enjoy a documentary feature on your work filming these tiny miracles.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree there should be a longer documentary about these spiders and that can obviously also include my work I do (only a hobby). A couple of company have been looking at this but nothing eventuated. I am thinking now of doing my own documentary, maybe when I retire

[@fayjan73]

@@Peacockspiderman hope you do man this is golden fotage :> thankeyou for sharing this with the rest of the word

[@user-ic9ud3nd1b]

Как это Интересно.

[@ZaCloud-Animations___she-her]

So much to love about these peacock spiders (and jumping spiders in general). The way they visibly turn their heads toward what they're paying attention to, the way they perk up when they're interested, and cock their heads like curious little dogs, their soft-looking fluffiness... and of course, these bright shiny dances the males do. Always full of personality and individual flourishes! Over time, you can see why the female might pick the particular dancer that she finally accepts, compared to other suitors. And it's even been discovered that spiders have the equivalent of tiny paws like a cat (though the pads are made of extremely dense hairs but they still look the part!)! Go ahead and do a search for "spider paws", folks! :D And that when they do these dances, the males even create soundwaves, thrumming and thumping that we usually can't hear much of without special recording equipment, so their dancing even comes with music! :D Such a different, twisting/gyrating method from this species' dance! Gotta have that Elvis pelvis! XD And I love the cuddly-looking girl here. Colored like a grizzled gray wolf, round and friend-shaped. Really easy to see when she's into it and when she's not. Going through several reactions from bored, to considering but deciding against it, to outright annoyed and wanting the dude to stop wasting her time (Let someone with REAL game have the floor!). Then when she's impressed, she's so calm and still, gently showing her trust to the dancer who won her over, to reassure him he's in no danger with proceeding. Able to be strong or soft as the situation demands. (And man, looks like she's pre-loaded with eggs ready for fertilization, she thicc! :D). And he places his paws gently on her head, tentative and careful.... then man, she proves to be very flexible too! XD Like he just twists her abdomen 180 degrees and she's just totally chill. X3 Well, that skill will pass down well to their young when both parents have it. For both sexes here, reproduction is all about that ability to sway their hips! What a magical world we live in. Thank you for sharing this part of it with us. ^_^

[@cndns2]

Success. She liked his moves. Lol.

[@DoofusMonkey]

Swigy swoogy shake that booty!

[@TheWheelofLife100]

These spiders must have excellent vision,the female was completely memorized by the movement of the male's abdomen,she couldn't keep her 6 eye's off him.Oh and 1 more thing,first.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Yes, they have very good vision and on that short distance see much better than humans

[@hanng1242]

Someone please mash this up with that “my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard” song.

[@KerryJaggers]

Thanks Peacockspiderman for all your diligence bringing these fascinating creatures to our attention so beautifully.

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Your thousands of hours of patient attention have made these spiders iconic throughout the world, magnificent mini docs, never get old, thankyou so much!

[@Dawn10101]

It kinda looks like he's got little wings that he's flapping :)

[@missmartpants2269]

Yeah, it is amazing how similar their behavior and structure is to a peacock. Very different and very similar, had to be the same creator if you ask me. God bless!

[@Gun5hip]

These two were adorable ☺

[@tor4607]

beautiful

[@loonyria]

I xannot express how much I love your videos!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks Ria, glad you like them

[@myrmecofourmis]

I am always so impressed you manage to capture this moment.

[@IANRPARKER]

One day we may understand what they are communicating. " Yey Shielagh! Great party last night" "Yey Bruce what a gas. Tell me that one about camera man and his long lense again." Thanks Peacockspiderman great films.

[@cryptocorynes1253]

It’s got little tail feathers

[@new.asteroid.tracker]

The environmental sounds are incredible!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks Chuck. I recorded them with a Zoom H4N recorder, but was not happy with the result and had to apply a lot of noise reduction in post processing. Today I ordered some new equipment for sound recording, hopefully that will improve things. To me now the sound track has become as important as the video, and it is the hardest to get right. The tail swooshes I have added myself by the way

[@BPantherPink]

Yes... I heard the volume difference during the tail swooshes and thought the same... Very well done 👏👏👏

[@gauravvlogs157]

This is really amazing each species of peacock spiders have different dance moves

[@lordspider3958]

Such interesting angles. Nice work!

[@axori1047]

I absolutely LOVE Peacock Spiders because of your studies, Jürgen! 😁 Please keep up and continue your studies, my favourite is Maratus Sceletus! I am even studying it and the Nursery Web Spider for an assignment! I love your work! It's amazing how you record such beautiful spiders!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks for your comment, much appreciated !

[@KeithDvorak]

These always make me so happy! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@dpetty3461]

Wow, spectacular!

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks for the first comment !

[@dpetty3461]

Love, love your videos.

[@EricaJoyArts]

That is so cool! And I love that the microphone is picking up the swooshing sound of his tail moving around! Great footage!😁

[@jo-han]

He's setting mascara trends :) But then again he gets totally ignored some of the times :)

[@claudinchenchen]

Great footage! This small spiders are not easy to film. Well done!

[@a.e.rromero5403]

Are spideys camera shy?

[@ZaCloud-Animations___she-her]

@@a.e.rromero5403 , well of course they're wary of big moving things that could be predators... but these species are only like 3 millimeters long! So TINY! And with them on the move a lot, it's REALLY hard to keep them in focus, and get good angles on them!

[@poppedweasel]

Amazing record of natural history.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks, glad you appreciate it. Indeed, this is not just intended as entertainment, it is the first time the movement of this as yet unnamed spider is recorded and presented and your are absolutely right it is a record of natural history.

[@poppedweasel]

I really do appreciate these videos. I'm a follower on facebook too and a lover of all things salticids and you're a master at capturing the peacocks with your macro skills. It's a pleasure to follow your channel. :)

[@TheFaithArtist]

This is excellent! Thank you for including footage of both courtship and insemination. And I have to say how much I appreciate the soundtrack, with subtle FX and location-appropriate animal calls. Good job.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks for your appreciation. I also think that listening to the local sounds was a better option here.

[@sorchatheraven]

found the channel not long ago. It is such an impressive work to search for all different species and find the proper moment to record their mating dances. Congrats and hope this channel lives on for long.

[@vikingtimbo]

Wow that's a really unusual one! The males aren't as colourful as in most other species but I love the tufts of "feathers" and the unique swishing of the abdomen (I assume you added the sound effects yourself but I like them!). "Otto's Feather-arsed Spider"? Maratus fluffy-buttus.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Yes, I added the swooshing sounds. I agree with you, it is a fascinating little animal, one of the highlights of my peacock spider work. I became aware of its existence a few years ago, but the person who discovered it and I searched a couple of years to find more specimens that I could film and photograph.

[@vikingtimbo]

I realise that these short videos are the culmination of a *lot* of hard work! But I assume you found some other great Maratus while searching for this one. I can't help wondering why this species is unusual. Maybe they diverged from the Maratus line earlier than most other species and went off in their own evolutionary direction; or maybe the species was so similar to other Maratus in their area at some point that they needed to become more distinct.

[@goldenbuglab]

와~~ 귀여워...^^

[@TiffanyHallmark]

I'm always impressed by your video captures, especially unknown species. You, sir, are amazing. Please keep sharing these fantastic films.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks Tiffany, whenever I find a new species I will attempt to record its behaviour. Not only for entertainment but more importantly as a scientific record.

[@Horsefeathers100]

Fantastic! My favorite however will always be #7!!!!!!!!!

[@Peacockspiderman]

it is hard to beat, and interestingly it was shot with a cheaper and less sophisticated camera, which to me proves the point that it isn't the gear that makes a video interesting, there are quite a few things that are so much more important.

[@cyberswaggie]

I'm really pleased that peacock spider has gone back to his natural roots and given away all that trashy disco razzmatazz. He had sold out to the man but now it's all cool down by the pool.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Nature sounds and music have very different effects, in this instance I think the nature sounds are the better option, thanks for your feedback.

[@fitbullaussie9002]

I like both versions. Have spent many afternoons lmao to the ones with jazz ;)

[@cyberswaggie]

I think authentic peacock spiders can do jazz for sure, even motown but not Village People. Whoever heard of the YSCA?.. actually.. I think that might be a thing😟

[@saashi5375]

Ok...we already have Sparklemuffin...can this one please be Fluffbutt?!? He legit has tail feathers 😄

[@ZaCloud-Animations___she-her]

Given the males' twisty dance moves, I'd call them Elvis-pelvis! XD

[@TTTEFAN-ke3xp]

So cute

[@cherryfaith4877]

Absolutely incredible little creatures

[@kjminniti]

Woot! He got the girl!

[@EstherLuca]

Thanks for your videos, I wish meet these awesome spiders everywhere they are

[@crownvetch92]

tufted eyebrow spider

[@xewa7951]

The lady spider looks so confused 😂😂

[@CopalFreak]

Whew! For a minute there, I thought he was lunch!

[@dacisky]

Wonderful video and perfect sounds as well.

[@Peacockspiderman]

Thanks Daci

[@BPantherPink]

No need to look for Aliens in space...

[@EnjoysScritches]

I really want to make tiny pompoms for their wee legs.

[@akamekills8662]

Little cuties, so lovely 💕🕷

[@GawrilaGhul]

that's what i call a happy ending!

[@astropipe.]

❤

[@firestartermoogi56]

Amazing and beautiful! How do you manage to video them without scaring them away? I'm glad the male didn't get eaten.

[@Peacockspiderman]

They don't seem to be scared of me or the camera. In fact they often jump onto the camera during filming. I was filming this spider for over 8 hours and have not seen any male getting injured. The same applies to other species I filmed. Unfortunately there is is perception that females kill males that they don't like, but it is a myth

[@firestartermoogi56]

Peacockspiderman thank you for the reply and answers to my question. I have seen instances where the female ate the male but it's good to know that isn't the norm. I enjoy your videos which have helped me, to some degree, to lose some of my fear of spiders. Keep up the great work! I love how close and clear your videos are. Thanks for your videos and dedication 😊

[@missmartpants2269]

@@Peacockspiderman Female spiders do kill males adter mating often, I saw him disapear fast after mating, and i think thats why they make it, because they are super fast. God bless!

[@Howlingburd19]

Wow, this one is very strange, even by Peacock Spider standards!

[@Contraodubby023]

I absolutely Love jumping spiders, and peacock spiders because the colors are so pretty! ❤❤❤😊😊😊 keep up and continue with your studies ❤❤❤ my favorite peacock spiders is maratus sceletus, maratus robinsoni and maratus avibus ❤❤❤ i love your videos with spiders ❤❤❤

[@missmartpants2269]

Amazing! God bless!

[@TheresiaSwiebel]

Very nice Thank you!

[@Speverban]

Amazing!

[@EinSophistry]

That's some next level twerking.

[@jayc3069]

Yay :) Another Peacock Spider vid! Thanks for sharing

[@NicksAdventureDocumentary]

Awesome !!

A great video which certainly wasn't done one the fly 👍

[@sagichnicht7073]

great work. Thank you man! :)

[@angelkotilainen]

Omg little cuties!!

[@azuritet3]

Spider-Day Night Fever.

[@KlingonCaptain]

All that work for a girl.

[@Peacockspiderman]

indeed !

[@DoofusMonkey]

This coming from a human :-) He danced for a few minutes and then smashed.

[@vieuxcoeur4669]

To Frankske Verstraeten :-) Trop drôle! That exactly what I said to myself

[@annm4833]

KlingonCaptain And we're worth every bit! 😉

[@chrisebert7307]

No different from the club scene...your eyes lock..you dance...wham bam thank you ma"am...and head home..

[@TheZzzzzzzz]

works every time

[@amandus152]

it is these blue blue eyes :)

[@Verisetti]

Did the little dancer get his dance finished? I was so glad she didn't eat him. I need a little ta-dah so I know he did it :) Love your channel. I will check your Vimeo out.

[@ZaCloud-Animations___she-her]

Well, his "ta-dah" was her allowing him access to her "ah-hah!" ;D

[@sasvapes8014]

So so bird like. The even mate similar to a bird.

[@islandbirdw]

I’m surprised utube hasn’t censored this for being spider x-rated 🤣🤷🏼‍♀️

[@AquaRegia-419]

Interested to see if when checked with a vibrometer(sp) if they are creating a song as well as dancing, some of the moves they are doing are very similar to jumping spiders U.C. Berkley had done a study on.

[@DruMatthias]

All he wanna do a zooma zoom zoom zoom and a Boom BOOM. Shake Shake yo rump

[@moonstriker7350]

Gorgeous footage, what equipment did you use here?

[@Peacockspiderman]

filmed with the Panasonic GH5 and 100 mm macro lens

[@V3rminous]

Spoider dances

[@ShortClipsCentralSCC]

is this a new species or something? first time i've seen one of these. totally amazing

[@Peacockspiderman]

Yes, it is an unnamed species. It was discovered by my friend David Knowles a number of years ago. But at the time he did not collect any specimens. A couple of years ago we started to look for it again, on several occasions, but no luck. Eventually, last year I got luck I found these specimens and then photographed and filmed it. In due course David Hill and I will be giving it a name.

[@ShortClipsCentralSCC]

Great job, makes me wonder what else is out there waiting to be discovered

[@deepak_karra]

Greetings! Great videos. May I know where can I find them in Victoria? Thanks:)

[@Peacockspiderman]

Not this particular species, but many others

[@staudinga]

Why do you mention Google Chrome? You can watch it just fine using Firefox.

[@Peacockspiderman]

I have only been using Safari and noticed that it doesn't show my footage in 4k. Subsequently I learned the on Google Chrome it is shown in in 4k. It is good to know that other browsers also provide that option, maybe it is just Safari that doesn't. Thanks for letting me know.

[@ameliawilson4778]

They are so small! What do they eat, as I would imagine a lot of insects would be as large/larger than them. Do they make webs to catch their prey or do they use other methods?

[@Peacockspiderman]

They eat anything they can capture, small flies, small moths, small grass hoppers. You will be surprised what size prey they can catch. Often their prey is much larger than they are themselves. They don't build any webs, the way they hunt is similar to what you can see in cats. They slowly approach the organism, sneak up to it, and then pounce on it.

[@ex0ja]

Cockatoo puppet show

[@paulcrawford1108]

jesus christ.. I was gardening tonight.. god knows how many poor spiders met their fate when I was throwing rocks around. Hope these critters don't feel pain. Don't know what to do other than blame god for creating such a cruel world

[@AmbiambiSinistrous]

What is this audio? :O Are those tail "swoosh swoosh"es real??

[@Peacockspiderman]

the audio is what I recorded on site where I found the spiders. The tail swooshes is the only thing I added. David Attenborough and the BBC do it all the time, so I thought I might give this a go as well

[@AmbiambiSinistrous]

Peacockspiderman It's so cute, I love it haha

[@Bev1946]

First I thought somehow (magic) you amplified the swooshing sounds, they seem so realistic and appropriate. Maybe his tail makes sounds only a spider (and you subconsciously) can hear.

[@Peacockspiderman]

I imagine the sweeping of the abdomen makes some kind of noise and it would be nice if I could amplify it. We know that all these spiders produce vibrations that the female can feel through the substrate. With special equipment one can make these vibrations audible. There are some examples on that on the internet.

[@Simonsays7258]

🙏🤯🍄🐛🦋🌈💕

[@Migdal1971]

i am the number 29.100, do i win a kiss by some fo these guys?

[@W0LFB3AT5]

boom shake ur body and do the conga...

[@WWZenaDo]

I played this video's music in the background to this.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKGsmZV6g5pro6M

[@Peacockspiderman]

interesting sound track

[@WWZenaDo]

Yes! It sort-of matched the movements, depending on how quickly I started the music.