Jorō spider color variant

[Biollantefan54]

I was at a park yesterday and was looking at a lot of jorō spiders, and noticed a different in some. The majority had the normal dark legs with yellow bands, but a couple, had jet black legs. I can’t find any references to this online, everything about this species is just articles about them spreading. Anyways, I thought it was interesting so here are two pics showing the different color variations.
Regular
Black leg variant

 

[birdonfire]

"Freeman is also conducting further genetic analysis to determine what causes some Joro spiders to have a different color pattern. While most have distinctive black and yellow striped legs, some have legs that are solid black. These black morphs have other physical differences that are only apparent when viewed under a microscope, and Freeman has determined that they are genetically distinct members of the species." https://news.uga.edu/joro-spiders-are-here-to-stay/

 

[Biollantefan54]

"Freeman is also conducting further genetic analysis to determine what causes some Joro spiders to have a different color pattern. While most have distinctive black and yellow striped legs, some have legs that are solid black. These black morphs have other physical differences that are only apparent when viewed under a microscope, and Freeman has determined that they are genetically distinct members of the species." https://news.uga.edu/joro-spiders-are-here-to-stay/

Thank you so much!! I don’t know why I was having so much trouble finding info about it.

 

[viper69]

Thank you so much!! I don’t know why I was having so much trouble finding info about it.

You’re too busy showing off your photography! Nice pics!

 

[The Snark]

Freeman has determined that they are genetically distinct members of the species

Thanks for clearing that up. I've seen them now and then with similar coloration. Wondered if it was a sub species. So it's looking like they are cousins?
Come to think of it, the first one I saw when we moved here looked like that then I didn't see another for 3 or 4 years. I posted a picture here on AB. And thanks ever so much Photobucket and Wasted Digital's worthless warranty for 100 mb of photos gone forever.

 

[antinous]

Appreicye the photos! And for the link @birdonfire

 

[Biollantefan54]

Thanks for clearing that up. I've seen them now and then with similar coloration. Wondered if it was a sub species. So it's looking like they are cousins?
Come to think of it, the first one I saw when we moved here looked like that then I didn't see another for 3 or 4 years. I posted a picture here on AB. And thanks ever so much Photobucket and Wasted Digital's worthless warranty for 100 mb of photos gone forever.

I am curious as to what that means, distinct genetically and with different physical characters, but still the same species. Interesting!

 

[regalpaws]

I've seen sooo many beautiful slings this year, more than other years! It has been very humid, yet not much rain this summer where I live.
Thanks for the pics and info, these guys are one of my favs