BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
19 December 2012 Identification and Description of the Tadpole of the Parachuting Frog Rhacophorus catamitus from Southern Sumatra, Indonesia
Jeffrey W. Streicher, Michael B. Harvey, Coleman M. Sheehy, Ben Anders, Eric N. Smith
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The Indonesian parachuting frog Rhacophorus catamitus is endemic to the mountains of southern Sumatra. Herein, we describe the larval morphology of this species based on several developmental stages. Tadpoles were collected from localities that ranged in elevation from 1,068–1,680 m in montane primary and secondary growth rainforest habitats. We matched larvae to an adult paratype and a referred specimen using mitochondrial DNA. The tadpole of R. catamitus has a conspicuous black tail tip and a larval morphology similar to most congeners. Characteristics of this body plan include a ventral oral disc, jaw sheaths, several labial tooth rows, dorsolaterally positioned eyes, a single sinistral spiracle, and a median anal tube. All specimens (N = 28) have a large suctorial oral disc with 9–11 tooth rows (6–8 anterior, 3 posterior) that we hypothesize is an adaptation for life in fast-flowing streams. At least two size cohorts of R. catamitus larvae were collected in June 1996, suggesting that this species may breed either continuously or opportunistically throughout the year.

Jeffrey W. Streicher, Michael B. Harvey, Coleman M. Sheehy, Ben Anders, and Eric N. Smith "Identification and Description of the Tadpole of the Parachuting Frog Rhacophorus catamitus from Southern Sumatra, Indonesia," Journal of Herpetology 46(4), 503-506, (19 December 2012). https://doi.org/10.1670/11-086
Accepted: 1 September 2011; Published: 19 December 2012
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top