Perth's Peacock Spiders (and how to photograph them)

Peacock spiders are only found in Australia but have achieved worldwide fame and appreciation for the bright colours and acrobatic dance moves that males use when trying to attract a mate. However, with most being less than one centimetre long, it takes a lot of patience and skill to photograph their dazzling displays.

Coastal Peacock Spider (Maratus speciosus).

Image taken by Paul Harrison at City Beach, WA

Guest speakers Shona MacDonald and her husband Paul Harrison, both from the UK, have lived in Perth since 2006. With backgrounds in geology and geophysics, they share a love of nature and photography. Paul specialises in astrophotography, landscapes, and macro photography, while Shona enjoys exploring outdoors. Since first coming across peacock spiders in Kings Park in 2016, they’ve become skilled at finding and photographing the cute arachnids.

The talk starts at 6.30pm at the WA Ecology Centre, near the northern end of Perry Lakes Drive, in Bold Park. All are welcome to attend.

We kindly ask for a $3 donation on entry to help support the work of the Friends of Bold Park Bushland. Tea, coffee, and a light supper will be provided afterwards.