Newly Discovered Peacock Spiders: Sparklemuffin and Skeletorus
Posted on March 2, 2015
6-27Scientists have discovered two new species of peacock spiders. The spiders have been nicknamed Sparklemuffin and Skeletorus. The jumping spiders were found in southern Queensland. Sparklemuffin (Maratus jactatus) is pictured above and Skeletorus (Maratus sceletus) is pictured below.The new species are described by Jurgen C. Otto and David C. Hill in a research paper published here in Peckhamia. The jactatus in Sparklemuffin's scientific name refers to rocking or jolting. It was given this name due to a rapid jolting movement of its entire body that occurs during male courtship display. The spider has a colorful blue and red abdomen.
Otto says Sparklemuffin has a docile nature. He told LiveScience in an interview, "It was in particular its docile nature and soft teddy bearlike appearance that really charmed me. It was a fun spider to work with."
Skeletorus (Maratus sceletus) is named for its skeletal appearance which is dramatically different from other peacock spiders. This spider has a very active dance. Otto told LiveScience, "When [the male] got within a few centimeters of the female, he exploded into a firework of activity."
Sparklemuffin and Skeletorus can both be seen dancing in the video below.