Colour morph distribution of the Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Honduras

Alex Mauricio Cubas-Rodríguez; Darko D. Cotoras; Andre F. A. Lira; Antonio D.  Brescovit

doi:10.30550/j.azl/2415

Authors

Alex Mauricio Cubas-Rodríguez Escuela de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento Francisco Morazán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6426-1101
Darko D. Cotoras Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1739-5830
Andre F. A. Lira Laboratório de Estudos Herpetológicos e Paleoherpetológicos, Universidad Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8443-4126
Antonio D. Brescovit Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1511-5324

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30550/j.azl/2415

Keywords:

Central America, polychromatism, six-spined spider, Wallacean shortfall

Abstract

The colour variation in organisms offers critical insights into phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary processes. The Spiny-backed Orb-weaver Spider Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758), widely distributed across the Americas, exhibits remarkable colour polymorphism. This study presents the first formal documentation of G. cancriformis in Honduras, addressing significant Wallacean shortfalls in Central America. Using citizen science data from iNaturalist and ecological niche modelling, we mapped the distribution of G. cancriformis and identified four colour morphs, including a red variant representing a color morph previously unknown to science. In addition, a higher habitat suitability was observed in Honduran rainforests regions. Our findings align with three previously documented Central American morphs, but the discovery of a unique red morph underscores regional diversification. This work highlights the value of citizen science platforms for biodiversity research and emphasizes the need for expanded arachnological studies in Central America to elucidate evolutionary drivers of phenotypic diversity in this and other species of spiders.

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