Dynamic iridescent signalling in the peacock jumping spiders Maratus: mechanisms, evolution, and spatial dynamics

This project will inform the function and evolution of iridescent coloration in nature by taking advantage of a particularly colourful group of spiders, the peacock jumping spiders belonging to the genus Maratus. Interestingly in closely related species within the genus, male peacock spiders can exhibit extreme iridescence and appear dramatically different depending on the viewing angle, or can appear matt with no angle dependence. What drives this difference and leads to these extreme forms of iridescence is the overarching question of this project. Using state-of-the-art approaches we will comparatively characterise the degree of iridescence and the mechanisms by which it is produced across Maratus. This information will be related to the spatial and temporal dynamics of their courtship behaviours to investigate whether a relationship exists between courtship behavioural repertoires, signaling alignment, and the degree and type of iridescent coloration. Finally, we will investigate the evolution of iridescent traits within Maratus by mapping these traits to a recently published phylogeny.