While walking around the bush in Australia, entomologist Jurgen Otto took these beautiful photos of Peacock Spiders performing their awesome little mating rituals, trying to woo female spiders without becoming their lunch instead.

The scientist says, “When I came to Sydney I was a bit bored because there wasn’t enough to photograph but now I don’t want to live anywhere else. I think it’s probably the most beautiful spider in the world.” The arachnid, scientifically known as Maratus volans, is a mere 5mm in size and is capable of quickly escaping a scene and jumping erratically. Yet, what defines the spider best is perhaps its unusual likeness to peacocks.

Like male peacocks with their exuberant tail feathers, the male peacock spiders are equipped with beautifully colorful flaps that rise up like a fan, displaying an unbelievable radiance and richness in breathtaking patterns. The males of this species are the only gender with colorful flaps so as to attract the females. They put on a bit of a show to win them over.

Click here to watch video of the Peacock Spider’s performance.

Visit Jurgen Otto’s Flickr account to view more of his photos.

[via My Modern Metropolis]

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