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Published:
Oct 5, 2009Keywords:
Mouthpart configuration Bufo regularis Hyperolius nasatus Anuran Labial Tooth row
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The copyright of a submitted article is only transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers.
Main Article Content
Specific identification of toads and frogs based on the mouthpart configuration of their tadpoles
Abstract
The mouth part configuration of the tadpoles of some anuran amphibians were examined using a dissecting microscope. Features examined included the tooth rows, oral disc, and the jaw sheath. Two different groups of tadpoles were collected and suitable pond conditions provided for them to
metamorphose into adults. One group metamorphosed to Bufo regularis and the other to Hyperolius nasatus. The Bufo regularis tadpoles had a jaw sheath that was serrate and valley-sawed with a Labial Tooth row Formula (LTF) of 2(2)/3. The Hyperolius nasatus tadpoles on the other hand had a
jaw sheath that was cuspate pointed with a Labial Tooth row Formula of 2(2)(3)/3(3). The findings from this study show that it is possible to identify frogs and toads from their tadpoles without having to look for the breeding adults in the wild.
metamorphose into adults. One group metamorphosed to Bufo regularis and the other to Hyperolius nasatus. The Bufo regularis tadpoles had a jaw sheath that was serrate and valley-sawed with a Labial Tooth row Formula (LTF) of 2(2)/3. The Hyperolius nasatus tadpoles on the other hand had a
jaw sheath that was cuspate pointed with a Labial Tooth row Formula of 2(2)(3)/3(3). The findings from this study show that it is possible to identify frogs and toads from their tadpoles without having to look for the breeding adults in the wild.
