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Female-limited colour polymorphism in the crab spider Synema globosum (Araneae: Thomisidae)

Ajuria Ibarra, Helena; Reader, Tom

Authors

Helena Ajuria Ibarra

TOM READER TOM.READER@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Associate Professor



Abstract

Conspicuous colour variation, caused by the influence of the environment on phenotype, or by genetic differences among individuals, is frequently observed in nature. If genetic in origin, colour variation can facilitate the study of the mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of true polymorphisms. Here, we describe for the first time the female-limited colour polymorphism in the crab spider Synema globosum. We look for associations between life history traits and female colour morph, and identify potential agents of selection that could influence the maintenance of the polymorphism. Our results show that the polymorphism is discrete and heritable, and that differences in colour among morphs are likely to be detectable by honeybees, birds, and conspecifics. We found limited evidence of differences among morphs in morphology and ecology, and found no differences in components of reproduction. Based on the lines of evidence obtained in this study, we suggest that selection exerted by prey, predators and/or mates is likely to influence the maintenance of the polymorphism observed in S. globosum.

Citation

Ajuria Ibarra, H., & Reader, T. (2014). Female-limited colour polymorphism in the crab spider Synema globosum (Araneae: Thomisidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 113(2), https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12338

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 27, 2014
Online Publication Date Aug 21, 2014
Publication Date Oct 1, 2014
Deposit Date Jul 4, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
Print ISSN 0024-4066
Electronic ISSN 1095-8312
Publisher Oxford University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 113
Issue 2
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12338
Keywords Colour Polymorphism, Genetic Variation, Life History Traits, Reflectance Spectra, Sexual Selection, Predation, Signaling, Heritability
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/734540
Publisher URL http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bij.12338/abstract
Additional Information Ajuria Ibarra, H. and Reader, T. (2014), Female-limited colour polymorphism in the crab spider Synema globosum (Araneae: Thomisidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 113: 368–383. doi: 10.1111/bij.12338