It's not just the dazzling colours and slick moves of Australia's dancing spiders that make them special.
There are more than 100 different species of the peacock spider, whereas most animals have only five or ten.
Researchers believe that's partly down to the spider's 'dark DNA' - a mysterious part of the animal's genetic code, and they are studying it to find out more.
They think that this dark DNA might enable it to adapt rapidly to changing environmental circumstances by developing into new species.
What the scientists find out, they say, might help to explain why there is so much variation in the natural world.
We are interested in how the spiders evolve to become that diverse, Jonah Walker, of the Sanger Institute told BBC News.
Peacock spiders are at the extreme end of that. And so, by studying them, we can use that extreme case to try to understand what processes produce variation in general.
Peacock spiders are found across Australia, and each one is the size of a pinhead. It is so-named because of the brilliant colours males have on their abdomen, which they show off in a beguiling mating ritual.
They create a drumming sound with their feet, a spider song of sorts, and move rhythmically while displaying their dazzlingly patterned features. What is remarkable about these creatures is how varied they are in their appearance, songs, and dance moves.
Mr. Walker, who once feared spiders, was captivated by the science behind them as part of his PhD research. Just a few seconds of watching them dance was enough for any fears to be washed away.
Working with his group leader, Dr. Jonana Meier, they collected each species discovered and categorised details about each one's behaviour, movement, and songs, cross-referencing this with the DNA of each species.
By comparing results of each species, the researchers aim to identify which genes are responsible for their traits. One of the significant findings is that 'dark DNA,' which comprises a larger portion of their genetic code compared to humans, could be a driving factor behind their diversity.
The research fits within broader efforts, such as the Earth BioGenome Project, which aims to decode the DNA of all living species in the next decade.
Dr. Meier explains the hope that understanding the function of dark DNA will provide insights into evolution and the intricate relationships in nature.
