Abstract
ABSTRACT Information on even the most basic biological aspects is often missing for many species and even higher taxa of caecilians. As in other amphibians, development is plesiomorphically biphasic and aquatic larvae are present in Rhinatrematidae, Ichthyophiidae, and some Indotyphlidae. However, only very little information on larval morphology and ecology is available. Here I describe a series of Epicrionops bicolor larvae and metamorphs from Peru and provide details on the development of the annulation pattern, colouration, external gills, lateral line system, and other morphological characters and discuss the taxonomic value of lateral line characters. Specimens were collected at two different times of the year, allowing inferences of a few key demographic characteristics. Hatching probably occurs around August and September at a size of approximately 55 to 65 mm. Larval development takes about 1 year to complete and metamorphosis occurs at around 180–190 mm total length.
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