Watch This Mesmerizing Mating Dance of the Peacock Spider

1 minute read

The latest sneak peak at an upcoming episode of Destination Wild on Nat Geo Wild is particularly colorful. The approximately three-minute clip explains the elaborate mating ritual of the male peacock spider. The fun starts at one minute and 30 seconds, when he pats the leaf litter repeatedly as if he is playing bongos, hoping the vibrations will get the attention of a female. If she comes towards him, he sticks his rainbow abdomen straight up into the air and gradually inches towards her as his third legs stick out from his sides. In this case, however, the female wiggles her backside at him, presumably signaling that she is not impressed.

Sorry, single male humans: No word on whether this ritual works on female humans.

This episode on various animals’ mating ritualsentitled “Dirty Dancing”will air Jan. 10 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

 

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Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com