Morphology of Southeast Asian Tadpoles: Hoplobatrachus chinensis (Dicroglossidae), Leptolalax pelodytoides (Megophryidae), and Other Megophryids

Ronald Altig, Amy Lathrop, Robert W. Murphy

Abstract


The structure and development of the large, spike-like, biserial teeth of the tadpole of Hoplobatrachus chinensis are unique. The presently erupted, conical tooth has at least 5 replacement teeth of decreasing sizes stacked inside, and the whole assembly projects only slightly into the oral epithelium. The ventrolateral abdominal wall of Leptolalax pelodytoides has well delineated, lymphatic spaces that presumably aid in stabilizing the tadpole among rocky substrates. The external narial apertures of megophryid tadpoles have a diversity of ornamentations that range from a simple rim, a lobate rim or a distinct tube.

Keywords


tadpole; morphology; mouthparts; Hoplobatrachus; Leptolalax; Megophryidae

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2009-16-2-126-130

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