Misumenops pallens has a complex taxonomic history with numerous synonyms. Rinaldi (1983) conducted a comprehensive revision that established eleven species as synonyms of M. pallens, including Metadiaea melloleitaoi, M. dubitata, Misumena bianulata, M. viridis, M. rubromaculata, M. parva, Metadiaea dimidiata, M. ypirangae, Misumenoides eroticus, and M. mourei.[2] This synonymization was based on detailed morphological studies including examination of the internal structure of female epigynes, which revealed consistent characteristics across all examined specimens despite external variations in coloration and markings.[2]
Misumenops pallens exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females being considerably larger than males.[2] Females range from 6.25 to 10.62 mm in total length, while males are much smaller at 2.03 to 3.69 mm.[2]
The species displays considerable variation in coloration. The cephalothorax and legs are typically pale yellow-brown, with legs III and IV being lighter in color.[2] The eye region may be white, pinkish, or the same color as the cephalothorax. The legs feature distinctive brown bands on the distal third of the tibiae and metatarsi, with dark brown tarsi and claws.[2] The abdomen is characterized by small, irregular, milk-white scale-like patches against a background that may range from the same color as the cephalothorax to having reddish-brown borders.[2]
Males are notably smaller and more heavily setose than females. They have a distinctive green coloration on the abdomen and posterior legs that fades in preserved specimens.[2] The male palpal structure includes tibiae with prominent internal apical angles bearing long setae and a distinctive external apical process with a finger-like projection.[2]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Rinaldi, I.M.P. (1983). "Contribuição ao estudo das Misumeninae do Brasil (Araneae, Thomisidae)". Revista Brasileira de Entomologia. 27 (2): 147–153.
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