Everyone has their own take on spiders; most find them repulsive, dangerous, and creepy. Few like the creepy and take some species in as pets. But in other parts of the world, there are spiders that people describe as cute, adorable, and even precious. These little guys might even be the exception to even someone with a severe case of arachnophobia. We at Stewart Termite & Pest Control are speaking of the peacock spider which is a jumping spider. Jumping spiders are found in many different habitats including homes and businesses in Greater Pittsburgh, PA. Peacock spiders are extremely little, comparable to the size of a pencil eraser, and are adorned in rich colors, intricate patterns, and incredible markings. But it is not their unique beauty that has stolen hearts, but when observing their ritual mating dance, you can see what the fuss is all about.
Peacock Jumping Spiders
With that in mind, we would like to share some basic information regarding a species of jumping spider called peacock spiders and share a few examples on the latest additions found in Southeast and Southwest Australia. For starters, the peacock spider is classified into one genus, Maratus and grouped into the Salticidae family where 67 total named species and subspecies have been documented. With their very distinctive size and coloring, even non-scientists can recognize them. Male peacock spiders are the sex with striking colors and patterns where the females are drab and dull. The males use their beauty to their advantage to attract a willing mate. These little spiders average about 1/8” in size and their patterns dictate their species. They do not spin webs, as they are jumping spiders and when they take down their pray, they will stalk and pounce on it, much like a lion. Peacock spiders are capable of taking down victims 3-4 times their size and frequently hunt crickets and other spiders. They are not a risk to humans, as their tiny jaws are incapable of puncturing skin and the venom they inject would not be a large enough dose to affect a human even if they could manage a bite.
New Species of Peacock Jumping Spider Discovered
The latest discoveries of the peacock species include the Trigonus spider, which is noticeable among peacock spiders because it bears a white crown at the tips of its abdomen. This particular characteristic is not typically shared among the other species of peacock spiders. Another addition is the Electricus spider, and rightfully named due to the rather arresting pattern made up of parallel red lines on its back, looking very much like a circuit board. The Cristatus peacock spider is another, cover with a pattern much like the Union Jack as its back. This little guy 8 plumes of long white hairs sticking up from its back, very similar to the plume of feathers that make up a peacock’s tail. The “blue-face”, or the Maratus personatus spider, has stolen all the attention because of the boldly bright blue mask marking on its back. The blue-face spider has a fan-like abdomen, unlike other peacock spiders, that he extends when trying to lure the females after getting her attention by raising a single leg and waiving it to her in addition to the eye-catching blue mask with its white-colored banding.
Spider Control
Unfortunately, we do not have these adorable little critters state side, but the spiders in Greater Pittsburgh, PA require the experts of Stewart Termite & Pest Control for removal and we are ready and willing to assist you. As mentioned above, we do have jumping spiders that may bite people if they feel trapped or threatened. Jumping spiders have venom to control their prey, but fortunately this venom is not dangerous to humans. Contact us for all your pest control needs.