The Tadpole of Proceratophrys bigibbosa (Peters, 1872) (Anura: Odontophrynidae), with a Description of Its Buccopharyngeal Morphology and Proposal of Novel Synapomorphies for the P. bigibbosa Species Group
The Proceratophrys bigibbosa species group comprises four species and is the only group likely to be monophyletic within the genus. I describe the tadpole of P. bigibbosa and its buccopharyngeal morphology. Comparisons among Proceratophrys larvae in the light of a phylogenetic tree suggest that a conical vent tube, tail fin originating in the body/tail junction, large A2 gap, and trapezoid median ridge may represent putative synapomorphies for the P. bigibbosa group.
The tadpole of Proceratophrys bigibbosa (CFBH 21293) at stage 31. Lateral (A); dorsal (B); and ventral (C) views. Details of the nostril (D), spiracle (E), and vent tube in ventral (F) and lateral (G) views. Scale bar = 10.0 mm.
Oral disc of the tadpole of Proceratophrys bigibbosa (CFBH 21293) at stage 31 closed (A) and open (B); scale bar = 1.0 cm. Labial tooth of Proceratophrys bigibbosa (CFBH 21292) at stage 27 in frontal (C) and lateral (D) views; scale bar = 5 μm.
Buccopharyngeal cavity of the tadpole of Proceratophrys bigibbosa (CFBH 21292) at stage 27. Buccal floor (A) and buccal roof (B). BFA, buccal floor arena; BFAP, buccal floor arena papillae; BP, buccal pocket; BRA, buccal roof arena; BRAP, buccal roof arena papillae; DV, dorsal velum; G, glottis; IN, internal nares; IP, infralabial papillae; LP, lingual papillae; LRP, lateral ridge papilla; MR, median ridge; PNA, prenarial arena; PNP, postnarial papilla; PP, prepocket papillae; VV, ventral velum. Scale bar = 200 μm.
Contributor Notes
Associate Editor: B. Stuart.