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

Authors

  • J.R. Downie School of Life Sciences, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
  • M. Nokhbatolfoghahai Biology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran 71345

Keywords:

Trinidad, Tobago

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.

Published

2014-12-31

Issue

Section

Research Papers

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