Artistic Science

jtotheizzoe:

via biomorphosis:

Maratus volans, better known as the Peacock Spider. The brilliant colouring is not just for decoration but also to attract females. The peacock spider has earned its name when he courts with his mate through dancing. Like a peacock, he raises his two magnificently coloured flaps and dances for the female.

These fuzzy little guys, some just a few millimeters in length, have intricate, species-specific dance moves. Not only are they likely displaying their health and vigor to potential mates, but they are also reminding females that they are the same species, so, like “please don’t eat me, hun!”

If you want to learn more about this arachnid tango, head over to Wired and read all about it. If you’d really want to dig in to the science of peacock spider dancing, including the sounds that go along with this eight-legged twerking display, here’s an open-access paper at PLOS One.

(via antidarkheart)