External changes in embryonic and larval development of Odontophrynus cordobae Martino et Sinsch, 2002 (Anura: Cycloramphidae)

GRENAT, PABLO R.; ZAVALA GALLO, LUCIO M.; SALAS, NANCY E.; MARTINO, ADOLFO L.

BIOLOGIA

VERSITA

Lugar: Bratislava; Año: 2011 vol. 66 p. 1148 - 1158

0006-3088

We provide the first developmental description for a species of Odontophrynus genus by describing all external changes of embryonic and larval stages for Odontophrynus cordobae. External morphological changes through the development were analyzed in captivity. Embryonic and larval development, from fertilization to metamorphosis, was completed in 62 days and 46 stages were recognized. We divided the staging series into ten developmental groups, each including several successive stages: Fertilization (stages 1 and 2); Segmentation (stages 3-9); Gastrulation (stages 10-12); Neurulation (stages 13-16); Elongation (stages 17-19); External gill larva (stages 20-24); Internal gill larva (stage 25); Pre-metamorphosis (stages 26-41); Pro-metamorphosis (stage 42); Metamorphic climax (stages 43-46). Marked increases in total length are evidenced during elongation and during stage 25, when the tadpole begins to feed. The stage 25 is longest (8 days) and is related to the rearrangement of organs, morphological progression and increment of body mass typical of larval form of free life. Similar studies in related species are needed to compare different stages of development at different taxonomic levels.