“Australia is home to many strange and unusual animals, something the majority of us know. When asked, most people would say that it is the marsupials of the country that are the most significantly different to the rest of the world. Perhaps that assumption should be questioned – Australia is also home to the tiny Peacock Spider, whose behaviour and appearance is nothing short of startling. This species waves it legs when first in courtship mode – and you might think that bizarre enough. Although one should hesitate to anthropomorphize any animals, it does look like he is beckoning prospective partners to him with something akin to a cheeky wave. And perhaps he is, but when he raises a pair of patterned flaps this elaborate courtship process goes from the comically strange to the extraordinary. There is little wonder why its common name is the Peacock Spider.” w/ photos
