Larval descriptions and oral ultrastructures of some anurans (Duttaphrynus, Minervarya, Nyctibatrachus, Rhacophorus, & Polypedates) (Amphibia) from Wayanad and Vagamon hills, Western Ghats, India
Larval descriptions and oral ultrastructures of some anurans (Duttaphrynus, Minervarya, Nyctibatrachus, Rhacophorus, & Polypedates) (Amphibia) from Wayanad and Vagamon hills, Western Ghats, India
Dr. Sanjay Molur,Dr. Neelesh Dahanukar,94 Authors,Bahadur
TLDR
The external and buccopharyngeal morphologies of tadpoles belonging to six anurans from Wayanad and Vagamon hills, in Western Ghats are described and Comparisons with congeners of the respective genera are made.
Abstract
The external and buccopharyngeal morphologies of tadpoles belonging to six anurans (Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Minervarya agricola, Nyctibatrachus periyar, Rhacophorus malabaricus, R. lateralis, & Polypedates pseudocruciger) from Wayanad and Vagamon hills, in Western Ghats are here-in described. Characterizations of larvae are illustrated by detailed images along with morphometric measurements. Four of the larval descriptions (M. agricola, N. periyar, R. lateralis, & P. pseudocruciger) are previously unknown, while two (D. melanostictus & R. malabaricus) are re-descriptions with additional information. Comparisons with congeners of the respective genera are made. This study is a small step towards advancing our knowledge of anuran larvae and supporting future research form Western Ghats and the adjacent regions.