Tooth Row Formula Research Articles

Tadpole ofProceratophrys mantiqueira(Anura: Odontophrynidae), with a Description of Its Internal Oral Features

We describe the larval external morphology and internal oral features of Proceratophrys mantiqueira from its type locality and provide novel natural history information for adults. The tadpoles of P. mantiqueira (Stage 37) exhibit a depressed body with low tail fins, eyes positioned dorsally, and a ventral oral disc bordered by a single row of marginal papillae, with a wide gap on the anterior labium; a few submarginal papillae may be present. The labial tooth row formula is 2(2)/3(1). The shape and amount of papillae in the buccal floor, especially the infralabial and lingual papillae, can distinguish the tadpole of P. mantiqueira from other congeners. Our results add important new data about the larval morphology of this species and may help future studies on the intrageneric relationships of Proceratophrys.

A New Species of theHypsiboas pulchellusGroup from the Serra da Mantiqueira, Southeastern Brazil (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae)

Abstract: A new species of the Hypsiboas pulchellus group is described from the Mantiqueira range, in the Municipio de Rio Preto, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We describe adults, tadpoles, and the advertisement call. The new species is morphologically similar to H. freicanecae, a species known from a few localities in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, ∼1640 km north. Adults differ from H. freicanecae in having a slender body, smaller male size, larger calcar, and hidden surfaces of thighs and feet orange in life. Tadpoles have a ventral oral disc, with labial tooth row formula 2(2)/3–4(1), with one to three narrow posterior gaps on the marginal papillae located on the oral disc emarginations. The advertisement call is composed of two nonpulsed notes with dominant frequency at the second harmonic. The species is known only from its type locality, in an unprotected area.

Adverse effect of agroecosystem pond water on biological endpoints of common toad (Rhinella arenarum) tadpoles.

Chemical prroducts used in farming and wastes from livestock can contaminate pond water in agroecosystems due to runoff. Amphibians using these ponds for breeding are probably exposed to pollutants, and serious consequences might be observed afterward at the population level. Assessment biological endpoints of anuran to water quality give a realistic estimate of the probability of occurrence of adverse effects and provide an early warning signal. In this study, the ecotoxicity of agroecosystem ponds from the south of Córdoba province, Argentina, was investigated. Ponds in four sites with different degrees of human disturbance were selected: three agroecosystems (A1, A2, A3) and a site without crops or livestock (SM). The effect of pond water quality on the biological endpoint of Rhinella arenarum tadpoles was examined using microcosms with pond water from sites. Biological endpoints assessed were as follows: mortality, growth, development, morphological abnormalities (in body shape, gut, and labial tooth row formula), behavior, and blood cell parameters (micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities). Results indicated that water from agroecosystems has adverse effect on early life stage of R. arenarum. High mortality and fewer metamorphs were recorded in the A1 and A3 treatments. Tadpoles and metamorphs from A1 and A2 treatments had lower body condition. Tadpoles from A1 and A3 showed the highest prevalence of morphological abnormalities. The lowest amount of tadpoles feeding and the highest percentage of tadpoles swimming on the surface were observed in treatments with agroecosystem pond water. The higher frequencies of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities were recorded in tadpoles from A1, A2, and A3 treatments. We check the sensitivity of the biological endpoints of R. arenarum tadpoles like early warning indicators of water quality. We found that the poor water quality of agroecosystem ponds has impact on the health of the tadpoles, and this could affect the persistence of populations. We recommend implementation of management actions before the harmful effects of agroecosystem pond water on early life stage of anuran become evident in higher ecological levels.

Larval morphology and complex vocal repertoire of Rhacophorus helenae (Anura: Rhacophoridae), a rare flying frog from Vietnam.

We present new data on the distribution, reproduction, larval morphology and vocalization of Rhacophorus helenae (Rhacophoridae), a narrowly distributed frog from southern Vietnam. Two new populations of R. helenae were discovered during field surveys in the lowland monsoon forests in Dong Nai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces in 2010-2013. Spawning was observed in May 2013. Egg clutches containing small (2.3±0.1 mm) unpigmented eggs were embedded in a foam nest and suspended high on trees above temporary ponds. The tadpoles of R. helenae have a morphology typical of pond-dwelling Rhacophorus larvae with a moderate tail length and a labial tooth row formula of 5(2-5)/3. Postmetamorphic juveniles differed from adult frogs in the features of their coloration and less developed webbing. The complex vocal repertoire of R. helenae included five types of tonal, wideband and pulsed calls and several transitional signal types differentiated by frequency and amplitude parameters. Calls were uttered as singular signals (pulsed calls) or within non-stereotyped series of variable duration (other call types). The complex structure of the advertisement call markedly distinguishes R. helenae from other members of the Rhacophorus reinwardtii species complex.

Embryogenesis and tadpole description of Hyperolius castaneus Ahl, 1931 and H. jackie Dehling, 2012 (Anura, Hyperoliidae) from montane bog pools.

Tadpoles of Hyperolius castaneus and Hyperolius jackie were found in the Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda and adjacent areas. Tadpoles of both species were identified by DNA-barcoding. At the shore of a bog pool three clutches of Hyperolius castaneus of apparently different age, all laid on moss pads (Polytrichum commune, Isotachis aubertii) or grass tussocks (Andropogon shirensis) 2–5 cm above the water level, were found. One clutch of Hyperolius castaneus was infested by larval dipterid flies. The most recently laid clutch contained about 20 eggs within a broad egg-jelly envelope. The eggs were attached to single blades of a tussock and distributed over a vertical distance of 8 cm. A pair of Hyperolius castaneus found in axillary amplexus was transported in a plastic container to the lab for observation. The pair deposited a total of 57 eggs (15 eggs attached to the upper wall of the transport container, 42 eggs floated in the water). Embryogenesis of the clutch was monitored in the plastic container at 20 ± 2 °C (air temperature) and documented by photos until Gosner Stage 25. The description of the tadpole of Hyperolius castaneus is based on a Gosner Stage 29 individual from a series of 57 tadpoles (Gosner stages 25–41). The description of the tadpole of Hyperolius jackie is based on a Gosner Stage 32 individual from a series of 43 tadpoles (Gosner stages 25–41). Egg laying behavior and embryogenesis are unknown for Hyperolius jackie. The labial tooth row formula for both species is 1/3(1) with a narrow median gap of the tooth row. Variation in external morphology was observed in size and labial tooth row formula within the species. With the tadpole descriptions of Hyperolius castaneus and Hyperolius jackie, 36 tadpoles of the 135 known Hyperolius species have been described, including five of the eleven Hyperolius species known from Rwanda.

The Tadpole ofBokermannohyla flavopictaLeite, Pezzuti and Garcia, 2012 and Oral Cavity Anatomy of the Tadpole ofB. oxenteLugli and Haddad, 2006 (Anura: Hylidae)

Abstract. We describe and illustrate the external morphology, oral disc, and oral cavity anatomy (OCA) of the larvae of Bokermannohyla flavopicta and the OCA of the tadpole of B. oxente. We collected tadpoles of B. flavopicta at Serra do Barbado, Abaira municipality, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia state. At Gosner stage 36, the tadpole of B. flavopicta has a depressed body with low tail fins and a broad, ventral oral disc bordered by a single row of marginal papillae, with a narrow gap on the anterior labium; submarginal papillae present in small amounts mostly on the commissure and on the anterior labium of the oral disc. The most common labial tooth row formula is 2(2)/7(1). The overall OCA of both species is similar, but can be distinguished mainly by the number of buccal roof papillae per side, shape of pre-narial arena ridge, and infralabial and lingual papillae morphology. The internal and external morphology of these larvae are compared with available descriptions for larvae of other species placed in t...

The tadpoles of two species of the Bokermannohyla circumdata group (Hylidae, Cophomantini).

We describe the external morphology and oral cavity of the tadpoles of Bokermannohyla caramaschii and B. diamantina respectively from the states of Espírito Santo and Bahia, Brazil. Larvae of both species are distinguished from each other by external characters such as body shape, labial tooth-row formula, number of marginal papillae, coloration and internal oral anatomy features. Some of the character states of the tadpoles of B. caramaschii and B. diamantina that are shared with all other described tadpoles of the Bokermannohyla circumdata group, such as the absence/reduction of small flaps with accessory labial teeth laterally in the oral disc, and the absence/reduction of submarginal papillae, may represent morphological synapomorphies of this species group, or at least of some internal clade. The general pattern of brownish coloration with longitudinal stripes on the caudal muscle is also common to most species of the group. We did not find character states of the oral cavity that are exclusively shared by species of the B. circumdata group, or by other groups of Bokermannohyla.

Contributions to the Morphology of Plectrohyla mykter (Anura: Hylidae), with Comments on Some Controversial Characters and the Diagnosis of this Species

<p>We describe the tadpole, juveniles, and two adult specimens of Plectrohyla mykter. The tadpole of this species is unique among Plectrohyla by having labial tooth row formula 4(4)/6. We found that tarsal fold, thoracic fold, and rostral keel are present in P. mykter but not evident in adults, and that the skin thickness is intermediate in comparison to other species of Plectrohyla. We conclude that these characters are not useful for the diagnosis of P. mykter and propose a new diagnosis for this species.</p>

Re-description of the external morphology of Phyllomedusa iheringii Boulenger, 1885 larvae (Anura: Hylidae), with comments on the external morphology of tadpoles of the P. burmeisteri group

Phyllomedusa iheringii is a leaf frog endemic to the Uruguayan Savanna, which reproduces in water bodies in open areas. Here, based on the lack of some informative characteristics observed on the first description of this species, we re-describe the larval external morphology of P. iheringii from localities in Brazil and Uruguay, and compared them with other species from the P. burmeisteri group. The tadpoles of P. iheringii belong to the suspension-rasper guild. The body length corresponds to approximately one-third of the total length. The body is pyriform in dorsal view and laterally triangular. The snout is rounded in a dorsolateral view. The spiracle is single and almost ventral, not forming a free tube, and sinistral. The opening of vent tube is dextral. The oral disc is anteroventral and anteriorly directed, with single ventral emargination. Marginal papillae uniseriate, interrupted in a wide dorsal gap, and with pointed tips. The labial tooth row formula is 2(2)/3(1). The third lower row is four times shorter than the others. Furthermore, the tadpoles of P. iheringii showed morphological differences in relation to other species of the P. burmeisteri group, this species seems to be smaller in average and have fewer marginal papillae in the oral discs.

Health status of tadpoles and metamorphs of Rhinella arenarum (Anura, Bufonidae) that inhabit agroecosystems and its implications for land use

Perturbations of water bodies near agricultural and livestock systems can affect embryonic and larval stages of anurans and negatively impact adult populations and structure of amphibian communities. This study is focused on early development of Rhinella arenarum, for which body growth, abnormalities in the oral disc and genetic damage on erythrocytes were analyzed to establish the impact of agroecosystems on local populations of amphibians. Tadpoles and metamorphs of R. arenarum were collected in three agroecosystems (namely, C1, C2, and C3) and in a site without agricultural and livestock activities (SM) from central Argentina. Egg masses of C1 were extracted for breeding tadpoles under laboratory conditions (Lab). Tadpoles were in small size and lighter in weight in C1 and C2. Metamorphs were shorter and lighter in weight in C1 and C3. In SM and Lab samples, no tadpoles with abnormal LTRF (labial tooth row formula) or without labial teeth were observed. In C1, the highest frequency of abnormal LTRF was recorded and was the only site in which tadpoles without labial teeth were found. In C1 and C2 the tadpoles had highest micronucleus frequencies and nuclear abnormalities. C1 can be considered as the site with the highest anthropogenic perturbation and with less healthy tadpoles. Livestock practices such as alternating cattle between parcel and keeping a buffer between crops and water bodies, would allow a better development of the first aquatic stages that are essential for the conservation of the anuran populations.

English

The microanatomy of the oral discs of the tadpoles of Bufo dhafarensis and Rana ridibunda were described. Tadpoles of stage 49 and 41, respectively were examined and analyzed using scanning electron microscope. In Rana tadpoles, the mouth was ventral and the oral disk opening had the same vertical and horizontal opening size. While in Bufo tadpoles, the mouth was anterio-ventral and the oral disc had its horizontal opening larger than the vertical one. The border of oral disc of tadpoles of B. dhufarensis was surrounded with 22 marginal papillae and 8 submarginal papillae and a dorsal gap was observed. The  oral disc of Bufo had less number of marginal papillae where they were short and had broad smooth ends with no apical parts. On the other hand, the border of  the Rana’s oral disc was surrounded by 50 marginal papillae and 10 submarginal where the dorsal gap was also observed. Both marginal and the submarginal papillae were long, numerous, closely spaced and ending with 3-7 apical parts in each papilla. The labial tooth row formula (LTRF) of the tadpoles of B. dhufrenensis was 2/3, while that of the tadpoles of R. ridibunda pallas was 2(1)/3(1-2). In B. dhufarensis, the labial teeth were keratinized, short ending with 4-7 terminal cusps and arranged as a single row. On the contrary, the labial teeth of R. ridibunda pallas were elongated, closely spaced and numerous. These labial teeth were noticed to be either vertically positioned or curved downwards carrying 3-4 terminal cusps in their free ends. Herein, we described Saudi Arabian Amphibian B. dhufrenensis and R. ridibunda pallas by utilizing scanning electron micrographs. In the present study, we described deformities in the oral disc of B. dhufrenensis and R. ridibunda pallas tadpoles in their natural conditions. Key words: Oral disc, tadpoles, Rana ridibunda, Bufo dhufarensis, labial tooth row formula, deformities.

Two New Species ofMyersiohyla(Anura: Hylidae) from Cerro De La Neblina, Venezuela, with Comments on Other Species of the Genus

Fil: Faivovich, Julian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales; Argentina; American Museum of Natural History. Division of Vertebrate Zoology (Herpetology); Estados Unidos de America; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales. Division Herpetologia; Argentina;

The Tadpole ofLeptodactylus caatingaeHeyer & Juncá, 2003 (Anura: Leptodactylidae): External Morphology, Internal Anatomy, and Natural History

Abstract. We describe and illustrate the external morphology, oral disc, chondrocranium, and internal oral anatomy of Leptodactylus caatingae larvae. We analyze the internal oral anatomy using scanning electron microscopy of a larva in Gosner stage 38 and chondrocranial anatomy is reported for Gosner stage 34. The tadpole at Gosner stage 38 has a globular body shape with low tail fins and a ventral oral disc bordered by two rows of marginal papillae on most of the disc, except for the anterior labium and a medial portion of the posterior labium where papillae are simple; a wide rostral gap is present; labial tooth row formula: 2(2)/3(1). Observations on the natural history of adults and tadpoles are also reported. The external morphology of these tadpoles is compared with available descriptions for larvae of L. latinasus and other congeners that occur in sympatry with L. caatingae. Internal oral morphology and chondrocranial anatomy are discussed in relation to available data for other species in the L. f...

Redescription of the Tadpole ofPhyllomedusa bicolor(Anura: Hylidae) from Central Amazonia

Abstract. The tadpole of Phyllomedusa bicolor is redescribed based on 147 individuals from 16 developmental stages collected in three areas of Central Amazonia. We compare them with other tadpoles of the genus found in the Amazon and provide comments on development sites. The tadpole of P. bicolor (stage 36) has a triangular body in lateral view and elongate body in dorsal view. The snout is rounded, the nostrils small and ovoid and the eyes are positioned laterally. Tail length is 61% of total length. The larva has a single, sinistral, almost ventral spiracle. The short vent tube is dextral and attached to the ventral fin. There is a unique cord on the dorsal fin, visible at all stages, originating at body terminus and extending almost to the tip of the tail. The anteroventral oral disc has marginal and submarginal papillae and a labial tooth row formula of 2(2)/3(1) at Gosner stages above 24. Tadpoles inhabit streamside ponds or ponds formed in streams of terra firme forests.

A new highland species of treefrog of the Dendropsophus columbianus group (Anura: Hylidae) from the Andes of Colombia

A new species of tree frog of the genus Dendropsophus is described from the highlands of the Cordillera Central of theAndes, departamento de Antioquia, Colombia (06º58’50’’N, 75º08’07’’W, 1700 m a.s.l.). Dendropsophus norandinus sp.nov. differs from other Andean Dendropsophus previously described by the following combination of traits: dorsal skinsmooth with minute scattered tubercles; axillary membrane developed; distal subarticular tubercle of fourth finger bifid;ventral surfaces cream with variable brown markings on gula, throat, and outer region of belly; medial area of the bellyimmaculate; in life axilla and groin pale yellow in males and bright orange in females; toe webbing extensive [I (1–1+ )–(11/2–13/4 ) II 1–(2–2- ) III 1–(2–2- ) IV (2–2- )–1 V], and tadpoles with tooth row formula of 0/2. On the basis of morphologicalsimilarities, principally between tadpoles, we tentatively assign this new species to the Dendropsophus columbianus group.

The Tadpole and Vocalizations ofHypsiboas polytaenius(Cope, 1870) (Anura, Hylidae, Hylinae)

ABSTRACT. Herein we describe the tadpole and vocalizations of H. polytaenius (Cope, 1870) from populations of the Quadrilataro Ferrifero highlands, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, and compare them with other species of the H. polytaenius clade and closely related species in the H. pulchellus group. The tadpoles differ from those of other species of the H. polytaenius clade by the shape of the body and snout in dorsal view, the degree of attachment of the spiracle inner wall to the body, and the tooth row formula 2(1,2)/3(1). The major differences from the closely related species in the H. pulchellus group refer to oral disc characteristics. Two types of calls were identified for H. polytaenius: one composed by one pulsed note and the other composed by isolated notes. Nevertheless, a call composed by two pulsed notes, possibly a territorial call, was recorded once. Comparisons of our results with those previously published for H. polytaenius from Estacao Biologica da Boraceia, state of Sao Paul...

External Morphology, Chondrocranium, Cranial Muscles, and Buccopharyngeal Features of Tadpoles of Pleurodema thaul (Anura: Leiuperidae): a Comparison with P. bufoninum

This article describes the external and buccopharyngeal morphology, chondrocranium, and cranial muscles in tadpoles of Pleurodema thaul from Argentina. Further comparison was made with larvae of other Pleurodema species, particularly P. bufoninum. The larvae of P. thaul possess: (1) tooth row formula 2(2)/3(1), (2) single to double row of marginal papillae with wide rostral gap, (3) presence of long processus pseudopterygoideus, (4) pars alaris and pars corpora of the cartilago suprarostralis joined by both proximal and distal connections, and (5) larval processus oticus present. In the light of the available evidence, the larvae of Pleurodema are characterized by (1) medium size (total length = 35.4–48.7 mm); (2) medium-sized tail (0.63 times of total length); (3) rounded snout; (4) nostrils closer to the eyes than to the snout; (5) vent tube opening medial; (6) tail tip rounded; and (7) oral disc subterminal with angular constrictions and rostral gap present. In Leiuperidae, the cartilaginous distal connection between pars alaris and pars corpora of the cartilago suprarostralis is present only in Pleurodema. In addition, all Pleurodema studied to date have processus pseudopterygoideus (shared with Eupemphix and Physalaemus marmoratus). Finally, within Pleurodema, the larval processus oticus is present only in P. thaul and P. bufoninum.

Application of premetamorphic oral cavity electron micrographs for Egyptian toads’ taxonomy

In the present study, the microanatomy of both the oral disc and buccal cavity of the tadpole of Bufo regularis was described. Tadpoles of 32, 38 and 40 stages were dissected and analyzed using scanning electron microscope. In all the stages, the mouth was ventral and the oral disk width was large, that is, equal to about 44% of the greatest width of the body. The disk was provided with a broad gap on the lower lip; the rest of the mouth was bordered by a large number of papillae. The papillae were arranged in a single row on the dorsolateral part of the mouth; the ventrolateral and ventral lip was surrounded by a double row of papillae. The number of papillae increased with larvae growth, from zero in stage 32 to about 150 in stage 40. The tooth row formula is 2(1)/3(2). The upper and lower beaks were pigmented and serrated. While the upper beak was broadly arched and formed a smooth arc, the lower beak had V-shape. Premetamorphic papillae were observed during the early metamorphic stages, and these degenerated rapidly at about late metamorphic stage. Metamorphic atrophy of the oral structures occurred roughly in the reverse order of development, although the procedure was rapid and more haphazard than the development. We suggested that the oral flaps and the roof papillae play a significant role in the capture of food particles by establishing the inflow of alimentary water, and aggregating food particles and mucus inside the buccopharyngeal cavity, which may reflect ecological and functional constraints that are relative to the morphology of other suspension feeding anuran larvae. Herein, we described the oral features of the tadpoles of B. regularis. Key words: Anuran tadpoles, scanning electron microscope, oral disc, oral papillae, jaws, gap.

The Tadpole ofPhysalaemus angrensisWeber, Gonzaga and Carvalho-e-Silva, 2005 (Amphibia; Anura; Leptodactylidae)

The tadpole of Physalaemus angrensis Weber, Gonzaga and Carvalho-e-Silva, 2005 is described based on tadpoles reared in captivity from a pair collected in a temporary pond in Angra dos Reis Municipality, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The species belongs to the Physalaemus signifier group and shares many external characteristics with other members of this group, like the labial tooth row formula 2(2)/3(1) and the ovoid body. The internal oral morphology is also described and compared with other tadpoles of the genus.

Tadpole of Plectrohyla arborescandens, with Comments on the Identity of the Tadpole of Plectrohyla cyclada

The tadpole of Plectrohyla arborescandens is described. This tadpole resembles other Plectrohyla by having labial tooth row formula 2(2)/3 and large submarginal papillae. Plectrohyla arborescandens differs from the other species of Plectrohyla with overlapping distributions and known larvae, by having uniserial marginal papillae surrounding the oral disc. We suggest that the tadpole of Plectrohyla cyclada is the one presently assigned to Plectrohyla sabrina.