'Sparklemuffin' and 'Skeletorus' spider species discovered by university graduate student

Two newly discovered Australian spiders may challenge your preconceptions of the creepy crawly species. Nicknamed ‘Sparklemuffin’ and ‘Skeletorus’, the new species of spider were discovered in southeast Queensland by US university graduate student Madeline Girad and a friend, Live Science reported. Ms Girad, who studies peacock spiders at the Californian University of Berkley, gave the arachnids – formally known as Maratus jactatus and Maratus sceletus – the affection names based on their unusual markings. The two spiders have also been captured on camera showing off their dance moves. Peacock spiders, first discovered in the 1800s, are so-called due to their colourful abdominal flaps that they display during courtship and in one case during ritualised contexts between males. READ MORE: VENOMOUS BANANA SPIDERS FOUND IN SHOPPING VIDEO: MEET THE SPIDER THAT REFUSES TO DIE The ‘Sparklemuffin’, measuring from 4.5mm to 4.6mm, despite its beautiful markings initially did not excite entomologist Jurgen Otto as it appeared similar to previously discovered species.READ MORE-http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/sparklemuffin-and-skeletorus-spider-species-discovered-by-university-graduate-student-10118848.html ALSO SEE-http://strangeanimalsaghostman.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/two-new-super-cute-species-of-peacock.html