Introducing Australia’s hidden gem: the peacock spider

The existence of peacock spiders has been known for over 100 years, but the fascinating family has only been filmed and photographed extensively over the past seven years.

Dr Jurgen Otto is an entomologist based in Sydney who, since 2008, has captured these unique little arachnids from every possible angle. Photographing, filming and researching these spiders is not his profession, but something that he does in his spare time. Otto hopes to start a revolution that will see Aussies loving spiders instead of hating them.

Here’s everything you didn’t think you’d ever need to know about the beautiful peacock spiders:

Much like peacocks, male peacock spiders have a colourful covering on their abdomen which they raise when courting a female

 

But that’s not all they do to lure the opposite sex… they wave their legs around too…

… And dance from side to side

How could you not be charmed by these fellas?

Well you certainly can’t be scared of ’em – they’re only about 5mm long

And their babies are absolutely adorable too

Otto posted a family portrait of all his peacock spider discoveries to date

He has found some spiders that are unknown to science which he, and David Hill, have gone on to name and describe

Some people have claimed to get over their fear of spiders simply by watching his videos

Because how can you fear a peacock spider dancing to YMCA?