Dimorphism (in CC amphib glossary)

[Jan]

Dimorphism: The occurrence of two distinct forms of coloring, structure, size, or other characteristics in a single species. Sexual dimorphism occurs where dimorphism exists between males and females.

 

[Abrahm]

Just a question from the peanut gallery. Would the lead back and normal red back coloration of Plethodon cinereus be an example of dimorphism? I've only heard of the term in relation to sexual dimorphism.

 

[Jan]

Just a question from the peanut gallery. Would the lead back and normal red back coloration of Plethodon cinereus be an example of dimorphism? I've only heard of the term in relation to sexual dimorphism.

According to Amphibiaweb, the two color phases represent dimorphism and it refers to them as a dimorphic species.

 

[Jan]

How about this (?):

Dimorphism: The occurrence of two distinct forms of coloring, structure, size, or other characteristics in a single species. Sexual dimorphism occurs where dimorphism exists between males and females.

The following are examples:

Color dimorphism: The lead back and red back phase of Plethodon cinereus.
Sexual size dimorphism: Among amphibians as a general rule, females attain larger sizes than do males although there are exceptions.
Sexual color dimorphism: Ambystoma opacum - both males and females have black dorsal ground coloring; the bands on the female however are gray to silver, and those on the male are white.