Tadpoles of Mannophryne trinitatis and M. olmonae (Anura: Aromobatidae): Further Description and Comparison

Abstract

Mannophryne trinitatis and M. olmonae (Anura: Aromobatidae) are endemic to Trinidad and to Tobago, respectively. Previous descriptions have shown that tadpoles of these two species are very similar to one another. We examined a wide range of sizes and stages of tadpoles from one location in Tobago and three locations in Trinidad. Although some variability was found (in dentition, for example), no character alone could be used to distinguish any of the three Trinidad populations, and the Tobago specimens showed overlapping features. The only characters that appeared useful in distinguishing M. trinitatis and M. olmonae were pigmentation of the tail and origin of the dorsal fin. However, caution is recommended in identifying these species since tail characteristics vary.