Discovered the picturesque spider of Van Gogh

The newly discovered spider has surprised many experts because the texture on the body is no different from painting. Many people joke that, is Van Gogh inspired by this animal for his masterpiece?

Picture 1 of Discovered the picturesque spider of Van Gogh
The newly discovered Maratus constellatus - (Image: Joseph Schubert)

Recently, Joseph Schubert, a spider researcher at the Victoria Museum (Australia), and his colleagues discovered seven new species of spider from the genus Maratus . This spider usually has showy colors, dancing well to seduce a mate, so many people call it the spider .

According to the Daily Mail , among them is a strange spider with a pattern that reminds the viewer of the "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890).

Schubert named the new species Maratus constellatus , where constellatus is a Latin word meaning "starry sky".

Maratus constellatus is no longer than 4mm, discovered in Little Dessert National Park (Australia).

Picture 2 of Discovered the picturesque spider of Van Gogh
The Starry Night by artist Van Gogh.

"Last year I traveled across Australia learning about peacock spiders, then studying in the lab. Of which Maratus constellatus is my favorite because of the beautiful picture on their backs. I also took time to conquer them. " , Schubert said.

The 6 other spiders in the genus Maratus discovered by Schubert this time are Maratus azureus , Maratus laurenae , Maratus noggerup , Maratus suae , Maratus volpei and Maratus inaquosus . On the surface, these spiders can be distinguished by patterned characteristics as well as the shape of the abdomen.

From 2019, Schubert recorded 12 new species of spiders. To date, the number of Maratus spider species is about 74 species, of which 60 species have been recorded in the last 10 years.

Appearance brightly, cute but in the breeding season, the female spider of the genus Maratus is often very aggressive when they are ready to eat males if they do not like the "confession" of the guy.

Most peacocks in the world are concentrated in Western Australia (Australia).

Picture 3 of Discovered the picturesque spider of Van Gogh
A collection of 7 new species of spider has just been published by Schubert - (Image: Schubert).

Picture 4 of Discovered the picturesque spider of Van Gogh
Maratus combustus was recorded in 2019 - (Image: Schubert).

Picture 5 of Discovered the picturesque spider of Van Gogh
Maratus felinus was recorded in 2019 - (Image: Schubert).

Picture 6 of Discovered the picturesque spider of Van Gogh
Maratus aquilus with motifs like the mask of the Indian tribe - (Photo: Schubert).

  1. Discover a new species of spider named after John Lennon
  2. Many new and rare species of spiders have been discovered in Australia and India