POLICROMATISMO DE Argiope argentata (ARANEAE, ARANEIDAE) EM QUATRO LOCALIDADES DO ESTADO DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL

Resumo

Animal coloration is an important biological trait with different functions related to life strategies. In spiders, the color may be camouflage function, mimicry, thermoregulation or sexual selection. Taking into account the color polymorphism of the species and its possible ecological significance, in this study are described the coloration patterns of Argiope argentata in four localities of the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Derrubadas, Santa Maria, Rosario do Sul and Nova Palma, all photographed in situ. Were found six color patterns, which show differences in frequency.