“The Maratus spiders of Australia are the most colourful, flamboyant, sexy, and charming spiders on the planet,” says Maria Fernanda Cardoso, whose vibrant portraits capture the tiny creatures in remarkable detail. Kicking off a tour throughout Australia, the photographer’s exhibition Spiders of Paradise, organized in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, highlights the arachnids’ incredible diversity.

Maratus are commonly referred to as “peacock spiders” due to the males’ brilliant displays during courtship rituals—and in some cases, combat. When a male woos a partner, he raises his legs, displays a brightly patterned abdomen, and dances as if there’s no tomorrow—literally. If he isn’t successful and allowed to mate, the female may eat him instead.

Maratus australis https://m.stacker.news/43964

Maratus volans https://m.stacker.news/43965

Maratus vespertilio https://m.stacker.news/43967

Maratus bubo https://m.stacker.news/43968

Maratus splendans https://m.stacker.news/43970

Maratus calcitrans https://m.stacker.news/43971

Maratus christatus https://m.stacker.news/43972

Maratus lobatus https://m.stacker.news/43973

Maratus pavonis https://m.stacker.news/43974

Maratus speciosus https://m.stacker.news/43975