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On the lookout for love (Maratus courtship) A wonderful time spent observing a courting jumping spider couple recently. <br />
The female took herself to the top of this old flower stalk and proceeded to flirt in an indomitable fashion - because just beneath her, 30 cm away was a hopeful male. I fancy I saw all sorts of tempting and teasing behaviour from her. All she needed to complete the effect was a tiny fan fluttering in front of those eyes! <br />
The male, fuelled by testosterone and obviously finding her thoroughly beguiling, moved ever closer whilst performing his repertoire of little vibrations and tics. <br />
And then! Just like that, they both disappeared. This is the second time I&#039;ve experienced such a frustrating scenario, but of course nature does not perform for our benefit. <br />
Female 7 mm length Araneae,Australia,Geotagged,Macro,Maratus scutulatus,Salticidae,Spider,Spring,arachnid,courtship display,fauna,invertebrate,mating,white garland jumping spider Click/tap to enlarge

On the lookout for love (Maratus courtship)

A wonderful time spent observing a courting jumping spider couple recently.
The female took herself to the top of this old flower stalk and proceeded to flirt in an indomitable fashion - because just beneath her, 30 cm away was a hopeful male. I fancy I saw all sorts of tempting and teasing behaviour from her. All she needed to complete the effect was a tiny fan fluttering in front of those eyes!
The male, fuelled by testosterone and obviously finding her thoroughly beguiling, moved ever closer whilst performing his repertoire of little vibrations and tics.
And then! Just like that, they both disappeared. This is the second time I've experienced such a frustrating scenario, but of course nature does not perform for our benefit.
Female 7 mm length

    comments (4)

  1. They are such charming little spiders . Your caption makes this image great and gives it real meaning. Great shot Ruth. Posted 6 years ago
  2. They are such charming little spiders . Your caption makes this image great and gives it real meaning. Great shot Ruth. Sorry to repeat myselfs. Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
  3. I adore jumping spiders, amazing to see them have this ritual and love the narration! Posted 6 years ago
  4. Lol, awesome Ruth! Your narration is the best :) Posted 6 years ago

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Maratus scutulatus is a jumping spider that occurs in Australia.

Similar species: Spiders
Species identified by Ruth Spigelman
View Ruth Spigelman's profile

By Ruth Spigelman

All rights reserved
Uploaded Oct 8, 2018. Captured Oct 3, 2018 11:54 in Anne Feneley Lookout, Cnr &, Watt St & Reserve Rd, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia.
  • Canon EOS 60D
  • f/10.0
  • 1/99s
  • ISO200
  • 100mm