The Sparklemuffin spider, formally known as Maratus jactatus, is a member of the Peacock Spider group, a family of Australian jumping spiders known for their flamboyant appearance and elaborate courtship displays. This minuscule arachnid gained internet fame due to the male’s vibrant coloration and the unique, rocking dance it performs to attract a mate, which inspired its catchy nickname. The intense interest in this visually striking creature often leads to questions about its potential danger.
Venom Status and Human Risk
The Sparklemuffin spider is venomous, like nearly all spiders, meaning it injects toxins to subdue prey, but it is not poisonous, which refers to toxins ingested by consumption. The venom is designed to quickly incapacitate the small insects and other arthropods that make up its diet. Despite possessing venom, the Sparklemuffin spider poses absolutely no medical risk to humans.
These spiders are exceptionally small, typically measuring between four and six millimeters in length, about the size of a grain of rice. Their fangs are too tiny and delicate to pierce human skin, making a successful bite highly unlikely, even if they were provoked. Furthermore, they are non-aggressive toward people, preferring to use their agility to escape perceived threats.
Identifying the Sparklemuffin Spider
The Sparklemuffin spider is classified within the genus Maratus, which belongs to the Salticidae, or jumping spider family. Its scientific species name, jactatus, is Latin for “rocking,” a direct reference to the unique side-to-side body movement the male performs during courtship. The most distinguishing feature is the male’s inflated, flap-like abdomen, or opisthosoma, which is normally folded down over the main part of the body.
When displaying, the male raises this flap to reveal a striking pattern of iridescent blue scales interrupted by three bold, transverse bands of red-orange to orange pigmented scales. The male’s vibrant colors are an example of extreme sexual dimorphism, as the female is cryptically colored in muted brown and grey tones to blend into her surroundings.
Geographic Range and Natural Behavior
The Sparklemuffin spider is native to Australia, with specimens primarily collected in Wondul Range National Park in southern Queensland. Like all peacock spiders, they are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, which is when they hunt and perform their elaborate mating rituals. Their small size allows them to inhabit leaf litter and low-lying vegetation, where they stalk their prey using their exceptional vision and powerful jumping ability.
The spider’s primary focus is survival, which involves hunting small insects and performing the complex courtship dance required for reproduction. They do not build webs to catch prey, instead relying on their agility to stalk and pounce, demonstrating an active, rather than passive, hunting style.