Saturday 11 June 2016

Seven new species of 'dancing' peacock spider found, including one that mimics a WASP

Seven new species of peacock spider have been discovered by biologists in Western Australia, including one that has distinctive patterns on its abdomen that appear to resemble a wasp to human eyes. Biologists think the male spider, called Maratus vespa (pictured), uses this to hold the attention of the drabber femalesWhen the mating ritual can win you a female's heart or get you eaten, looking like an insect may seem to be a bad idea if you're a spider.
But one newly discovered species appears to have found this approach can work to its advantage as it carries the distinctive pattern of a wasp on its body.
The tiny creature, which measures less than a fifth of an inch (5mm), is one of a seven new species of peacock spider to have been discovered by scientists.read more

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