Abstract
The tadpole of Atelopus pulcher is described for the first time. Tadpoles of this species were encountered in large streams where reproduction occurs. Tadpoles of this species conform to the genus characteristics in exhibiting an enlarged ventral disc and a 2/3 tooth row formula. One characteristic, however, distinguishes this species from other Atelopodids in that the upper beak is shorter than the lower beak.
The tadpole of Atelopus pulcher Boulenger (Annura, Bufonidae) from Manaus, Amazonas
Claude Gascon
Department of Biological Sciences Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-2043
ABSTRACT
The tadpole of Atelopus pulcher is described for the first time. Tadpoles of this species were encountered in large streams where reproduction occurs. Tadpoles of this species conform to the genus characteristics in exhibiting an enlarged ventral disc and a 2/3 tooth row formula. One characteristic, however, distinguishes this species from other Atelopodids in that the upper beak is shorter than the lower beak.
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Acknowledgements - This study was supported by a grant from World Wildlife Fund and a Grant-in-Aid of Research from Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. Additional support was provided from a Graduate Fellowship from FCAR (Quebec). This is publication 48 of the Biological Dynamics of Tropical Forest Fragments Project (Minimum Critical Size of Ecosystems Project). Thanks to L. dos Reis and M. Henault for help in collecting specimens and to J. Travis and P. Stilling for reviewing the manuscript.
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Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
11 Aug 2009 -
Date of issue
1989
