The tadpole of Physalaemus fernandezae (Anura: Leptodactylidae)

ALCALDE L.; NATALE G.S.; CAJADE R.

HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL

Año: 2006 vol. 16 p. 203 - 211

0268-0130

The external and buccopharyngeal morphology, chondrocranium and cranial muscles of Physalaemus fernandezae tadpoles were described and compared with tadpoles of other species of the genus. We consider these sources of characters and characterize the species groups within Physalaemus as follows: (1) species of biligonigerus group have 2 semicircular arches of pustulations arranged in a V-shaped pattern on the prenarial arena, 6-8 conical papillae and 40-60 pustulations on the buccal roof arena, 4 postnarial papillae, semicircular median ridge, claw-shaped lateral ridges, and larval crista parotica with a poorly developed anterior process; (2) species of pustulosus group possess tooth row formula 2(2)/3, two postnarial papillae, 12 conical papillae and 16-20 pustulations on the buccal roof arena, short lateral ridges whit rugose and concave margins, and larval crista parotica with a well developed anterior process and a reduced posterior process; (3) species of cuvieri group present 3 pustulations and 2 serrated papillae on the prenarial arena, 5 pustulations and 2 serrated papillae on postnarial arena, 4 long and bifid papillae and more than 60 pustulations on the buccal roof arena, and larval crista parotica absent.