The Peacock Spider’s Adorable Mating Dance

Found only in Australia, the tiny peacock spider measures around 4 millimeters across, small enough to rest comfortably on a fingernail.  It’s decorated with bright markings and large, expressive eyes that would make even the most squeamish arachnophobe coo.  

Cuteness aside, the peacock spider has attracted attention for its quirky mating dance. (Hint: it’s not called the peacock spider for nothing.) Entomologist Jurgen Otto captured the dance for the first time on film in 2011, using nothing but a DSLR camera and saintly patience. The footage is oddly gripping, almost like an episode of The Bachelorette played out in miniature.  Will the male peacock spider get the girl?  Will she even notice him?  Or will he just get eaten?