Maratus

Maratus is a spider genus of the family Salticidae (jumping spiders). These spiders are commonly referred to as peacock spiders due to their colorful abdominal flaps that they display during courtship. In at least one species, Maratus vespertilio, the expansion of the flaps also occurs during ritualised contests between males.

All described species are endemic to Australia. Several species in this genus were earlier classified in the genus Saitis, containing the Mediterranean Saitis barbipes, which is superficially similar to Maratus (colorful males with enlarged third pair of legs).

Maratus live on the ground or in low bushes.

Species

There are 43 species of Maratus:

The only non-Australian species, M furvus from China, cannot be linked to any genus with certainty.