It is almost Peacock Spuder breeding season and I am so lucky enough to be living in the Maratus hotspot of Northcliffe.   This one from Perth last year when I found a place in the dunes just back from the beach where these beautiful little critters live.  Maratus speciosus and also Maratus speculifer.  Most of my visits were brief, sitting in the sand, listening to waves crash and staring intently into the dune vegetation.  It usually takes a while to spot them but I have a couple of reliable Ice Plant clumps.  Once I have seen one it is then a matter of literally keeping an eye on him because one missed jump and they can disappear.  I really enjoy observing these gorgeous little spiders.  They seem very intelligent, react to other spiders, bees, wind and shadows.  I have learnt to be careful of where my shadow lands because it seems to scare them.  I captured this images last year and haven't had a chance to really go through them properly but love the broader sense of environment. I remember being really happy when this little fella perched on a dying yellow leaf, the color bringing a a nice dimension to the image.  There were two males in the same plant.  I didn't see a female.  The two boys seemed to circle each other making sure not to get too close!! Interesting.