The giant tadpole of Pseudis paradoxa

Abstract

Pseudis paradoxa has an extremely large tadpole with a long, deep tail- These features are also found in overwintering tadpoles of temperate species where low temperatures delay development and prolong prolactin exposure. Pseudis paradoxa does not occur in localities with marked seasonal temperature fluctuations. Low temperature cannot be implicated in the development of the tadpole. However, the parallels in shape between Pseudis tadpoles and those of temperate overwintering species suggest that Pseudis tadpoles may have a prolonged exposure to prolactin, higher levels of prolactin during development or an increased sensitivity to prolactin.