A Sydney scientist has discovered seven new species of peacock spiders a tiny and colourful arachnid that lurks in scrub and bushland across southern Australia. Key points: The spectacular creatures are found all over Australia Scientist believes there are now 48 confirmed species of spider Their movements and colours help attract females The man who made the discovery, Jurgen Otto, said he believed even the most extreme arachnophobes would be enchanted by the beauty of the creatures, which are just a few millimetres in length.