On the Origins of Bluffing

4K or HDV Colour Video
Hyper realistic sound with tactile dimension. Single or six channel versions
4:05 min

Two male Maratus vespertilio peacock spiders are engaged in a battle for territory and a mate. During this ritualistic combat, one spider displays his abdomen to challenge another male in a contest of looks and attitude.⁠
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The Maratus vespertilio is a shape-shifter. By opening the flaps of his abdomen he seems bigger than he really is. Also observe how his black legs separate the face and abdomen. The black colouring on his body is the darkest black recorded in the natural world. Scientists call it “super black” because it absorbs all light, creating the effect of his face floating in space, just like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. That must look very scary to another male! ⁠

English