6 Surprising Facts About Peacock Spiders

Peacock spiders, named for their resemblance to peacocks while they do their mating ritual, have been trending in popularity over the last few years. While their extraordinary display of colors and patterns is highly unique, they’re loved for more than just their colorful bodies.

Here are 6 surprising facts about peacock spiders that help explain why they’ve become so popular:

1. They’re only found in Australia

Peacock spiders are usually only found in the southern half of mainland Australia, making them a rare sighting.

2. They’re about as small as a grain of rice

These spiders are incredibly tiny. They’re only around 2.5-5mm in length!

3. There are a wide variety of Peacock Spiders

There are many types of peacock spiders. Each type of spider has a different pattern or body shape. Many have only recently been discovered, and many more may be left to be discovered!

4 . The female may eat the male

The male spiders perform a mating ritual with their colorful bodies to persuade females to mate with them. If, however, the female rejects the male’s offer, she may eat him!

5. Some have adorable nicknames

Some peacock spiders have been given nicknames according to what they look like. For example, Skeletorus looks like a skeleton, Elephans has what looks like an elephant shape in his tail, and you’ll just have to see what Sparklemuffin looks like. Yes, you read that right – “Sparklemuffin”.

6. They dance like no one’s watching

Part of their mating ritual includes dancing back and forth. In addition to fanning out their colorful bodies, male peacock spiders also stick up their legs and dance for the female they’re trying to impress.

Professional Spider Control Services

While the peacock spider might not be found in your Eastern NC home, plenty of other spiders and bugs will be. If you're in need of a professional pest control service in the area, call May Exterminating! Our team will get you started with a free quote.