Australia’s Peacock Spider | Maratus Nimbus
A tiny marvel barely visible to the human eye, measuring a mere 4 mm in size. A macro perspective of this captivating creature, whose name draws inspiration from the ethereal Nimbus Clouds.
The essence of this perspective lies in the intricate details of the spider's abdomen, where vibrant blues come to life. My exploration goes beyond aesthetics, delving into the science of colouration.
Unlike other animals that derive colour from pigments, the blue of this spider is a result of nano structures in its cells reflecting light in a way that creates iridescence. Much like a peacock feather, a slight change in viewing angle can alter the perceived colour, a phenomenon not seen in pigment-based colours.
This observation hints at the evolutionary significance of these structural colours in the spider's life, particularly in the context of mating dance displays. The prevalence of such adaptations suggests the vital role of coloration in nature's intricate tapestry.
Through my dots, I invite you to contemplate the world of the Peacock Spider and its captivating perspective on colour, form, and evolution.
Thank you Laurence Sanders for all your amazing reference photos I was able to pull from. If you'd like to check more amazing photos of Laurences find them here:
https://www.flickr.com/.../65796.../albums/72177720308063819
Size A2 42cm x 59.4cm
Portrait
Cotton rag paper 310gsm
Archival ink