The gastromyzophorous tadpoles of Atelopus elegans and A. palmatus (Anura: Bufonidae), with comments on oral and suction structures

Abstract

The tadpoles of the Neotropical genusAtelopusare only known for 26 out of 96 speciesdescribed. Here, we describe the tadpoles ofA. elegansandA. palmatusincluding ontogeneticinformation, measurements, and images of individuals in several stages of growth. Both speciesare compared with their congeners taking into account some relevant features such as thecoloration and relative measurements. Our description focuses on the abdominal sucker andmouth by providing scanning electron microscopy images and comparing the suctorialmechanism with other groups of anurans andfish. We also provide an update to knowledgeof the abdominal suckers, and information about their lateral line system and the distributionof their lateral line openings. The results show that brown marks over a tan surface and anirregular distribution of marks along the body and tail are unique toA. elegans; whilea patterned distribution of contrasting marks, and the presence of submarginal papillae areunique toA. palmatus. Also, both species show differences in the structures of their teeth.Finally, we conclude that some characters such as coloration, presence or absence of somestructures, and relative measurements are useful for identifying the species.

(8) (PDF) The gastromyzophorous tadpoles of Atelopus elegans and A. palmatus (Anura: Bufonidae), with comments on oral and suction structures. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338437945_The_gastromyzophorous_tadpoles_of_Atelopus_elegans_and_A_palmatus_Anura_Bufonidae_with_comments_on_oral_and_suction_structures [accessed Jan 21 2020].