Microhyla berdmorei ( Blyth, 1856 )

Ming, Leong Tzi, 2004, Larval Descriptions Of Some Poorly Known Tadpoles From Peninsular Malaysia (Amphibia: Anura), Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 52 (2), pp. 609-620 : 611-612

Microhyla berdmorei ( Blyth, 1856)

( Fig. 2 , Table 2)

Larval microhabitat. – As with all larvae of Microhyla , this species inhabits temporary, stagnant pools of water. The developmental series was collected from a choked drain (ca. 200cm long by 30cm wide by 15cm deep) within the Larval morphology. – ( Fig. 2 ) Body elliptical, BL 1.62-1.68 of BW, dorsum rather flat, venter rounded, BH 1.02-1.09 of BW; snout rounded, nostril nearer snout tip than eye; eyes laterally directed, IOD 4.97-5.21 of IND; spiracle median, spiracular margin a smooth convex, snout-spiracle 0.83-0.88 of BL; vent median, continuous with ventral fin, opening directed ventrally. Tail gradually tapering towards a narrowly pointed tip, without terminal filament, ventral fin deeper than dorsal fin for proximal half, TAL 1.29-1.34 of BL, MTH 0.28-0.32 of TAL.

in the same night (ZRC.1.10804 – adult male, SVL 44.3mm; ZRC.1.10805 – adult female, SVL 42.1mm; ZRC.1.10806 – subadult, SVL 16.0mm; ZRC.1.10807 – emergent, SVL 7.4mm). As no other anuran species were found in this immediate vicinity, it was deduced that the larvae belonged to this parental species. This was subsequently confirmed with the rearing of a larva to an advanced stage.

Colour/Markings. – In life, dorsum and flanks yellowish, body wall translucent, tail muscle whitish, tail fins clear or very lightly pigmented.

Oral Disc. – Mouth anteriorly directed, lower labium not expanded, centre portion arched in a ‘U’-shape; papillae, labial teeth or jaw sheaths absent.

Developmental changes. – By stage 43, the symmetrical patterns of the dorsum and dark band on flanks are clearly distinct. The almost complete webbing in the hindfeet (characteristic of this species) is also visible at this stage onwards. The changes throughout development are reflected in Table 2.

Figures

Fig. 2. Lateral (A) and dorsal (B) aspects of Microhyla berdmorei larva (Stage 39). Note anteriorly directed mouth (lower labium not expanded) and absence of terminal tail filament.