Larval description of Fea’s horned frog Brachytarsophrys feae (Boulenger, 1887) (Anura: Megophryidae) from northern Thailand

Abstract

Importance of the work: Existing knowledge lacks intensive description of tadpoles of Brachytarsophrys feae. The present work fulfils this knowledge gap by providing an intensive description of external and buccal anatomy.
Objectives: To describe the external morphology and buccal anatomy of tadpoles of B. feae.
Materials & Methods: Tadpoles were described based on two specimens (THNHM 28693.1–2) collected in Doi Mae Tum, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. Identification was based on comparisons with published taxonomic works. External morphological description was based on THNHM 28693.1. Buccal description was based on images from scanning electron micrographs of THNHM 28693.2.
Results: The tadpoles are medium sized (total length 34.7–39.1 mm, stage 30–31), with an umbelliform oral disc, emarginated and marginal papillae absent and numerous submarginal papillae inside. The belly is separated from the chest by a white band, broad white lateral stripes along both sides of the head and body and five symmetrical white bands. Buccal features are similar to those of B. carinense but differing slightly by a smaller distance between choana.
Main finding: The work provided the first description of the external morphology and buccal anatomy of tadpoles of B. feae. This work adds knowledge on buccal anatomy, which is insufficient in members of Brachytarsophrys.