Color dimorphism in adults and juveniles of Buitinga safura (Araneae, Pholcidae)

Bernhard A. Huber & Sascha Hopf

Abstract

We document the first case of a color dimorphism in a pholcid spider. Males, females, and juveniles of Buitinga safura Huber 2003 either have large black spots on the abdomen or no spots, with no intermediates. At the same time, this species shows sexual dimorphism (brown prosomal marks present in males only), and continuous prosomal pattern variation in males, females and juveniles. The abdominal pigment is located in the hypodermis.

Key words: color dimorphism, polymorphism, pattern variation, Pholcidae