Variegated Philodamia
Like P. hilaris. this is another species of Philodamia described by Thorell based on a female collected by Workman in Singapore. The species name "variata" (translated as "of many forms or colours") presumably refers to the multi-toned abdomen of the female of this species. Like P. hilaris, the carapace is sparsely covered with long and stiff bristles, and the ALE are far larger than the AME. Unlike P. hilaris, the carapace is marked by a median dark streak which P. hilaris lacks. Although this species appears superficially like P. hilaris, its female genital structure suggests that they do not necessarily belong to the same genus.
| Length | ♀ 3–4 mm; ♂ unknown. |
| Habitat | Foliage in parkland and open scrubland. |
| Biology | A female has been observed consuming a small Camponotus-like ant whilst hanging on a silk thread. |
| Type Locality | Singapore. |
| Distribution | Singapore. |
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Chelicerata (Chelicerates)
Class Arachnida (Arachnids)
Order Araneae (Spiders)
Philodamia variata (Original description ♀)
Philodamia variata (♀)
Workman, 1896 Malaysian spiders: 90, pl. 90 doi:10.5962/bhl.title.101972
Singapore.