Jumping spider - Maratus griseus (White-banded house jumping spider)

Jumping spider - Maratus griseus (White-banded house jumping spider)

young male, around 5mm

This is a species of jumping spider belonging to the genus Maratus, commonly known as peacock spiders. It is native to Australia and also found in New Zealand, where it is believed to have been accidentally introduced by humans. It is distributed across the North Island and both the east and west coasts of the South Island.

The species is relatively small, with body length typically ranging from 2 to 6 millimetres. Males are distinguished by bright orange-red bands of hairs above and below their front eyes, and their pedipalps are covered in dense white hairs. Females are generally dull brown or black with a white band on the head.

It is commonly called the "house jumping spider" because it is frequently found in and around buildings as well as in gardens and open grassy areas. Like other jumping spiders, it has excellent vision and actively hunts small insects by stalking and pouncing on them.