Nature’s smallest rainbows, created by peacock spiders, may inspire new optical technology

Brightly colored Australian peacock spiders (Maratus spp.) captivate even the most arachnophobic viewers with their flamboyant courtship displays featuring diverse and intricate body colorations, patterns, and movements – all packed into miniature bodies measuring less than 5 mm in size for many species. However, these displays aren’t just pretty to look at, they also inspire new ways for humans to produce color in technology.