Hlootoo's Art

skunkbear:

Jürgen Otto can’t stop discovering new spider species. In 2005, the mite expert stumbled upon the stunning Maratus volans – a brightly colored “peacock spider” – near Sydney, Australia. It danced and postured, waving its tiny legs and unfurling a beautiful flap from its back. 

Then came other peacock spiders, including species known as Sparklemuffin, Skeletorus, and Elephans. Now Otto has described a new species – the peekaboo spider, Jortus remus. The remus part of its scientific name means “oar” – a nod to the odd fan shaped structures at the end of two of the males’ legs. When males wave these appendages, females stop and take notice … and then it’s mating time.

You can watch the full videos of these beautiful species here and here.

And read more about them at National Geographic.