Rhacophorus appendiculatus ( Günther, 1858 )

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 : 613-614

Rhacophorus appendiculatus ( Günther, 1858)

( Figs. 5 , 6 , Table 4)

Larval microhabitat. – Temporary forest pool (ca. 5 x 2m, 5cm deep; recently rain-filled) in lowland forest at foothills of Gunong Panti, south east Johor (1 51’N, 103 23’E) (ZRC.1.10284-10323; coll. T. M. Leong et al., 14 Dec.2002). Adults of this species were seen and heard at this site, with vouchers collected (ZRC.1.10239-10246). Other rhacophorids encountered here include Polypedates leucomystax and P. macrotis . However, their larvae were not to be seen in the pool at that time.

Larval diagnosis. – A small, benthic tadpole (maximum TL ca. 27mm, BL ca. 11mm); light patches/spots present along tail muscle; advanced hindlimbs exhibiting pale areas on knee and heel; LTRF 4(2-4)/3(1).

Larval morphology. – ( Fig. 5 ) Body elliptical, BL 1.63-1.67 of BW, slightly depressed dorsoventrally, BH 0.65-0.72 of BW; snout rounded, nostril equidistant between eye and snout tip; eyes dorsolateral, IOD 2.31-2.41 of IND; spiracle sinistral, not projecting as a free tube, oval opening directed upwards and backwards, snout-spiracle 0.54-0.58 of BL; vent dextral, fused with ventral fin, opening directed towards posterior. Tail tapering only at distal 3 / 4 towards a narrowly rounded tip, fins sub-parallel for anterior half of tail, dorsal fin slightly deeper than ventral fin at midpoint of tail, TAL 1.78-1.92 of BL, MTH 0.23-0.26 of TAL. Naso-lacrymal groove and lateral line pores present.

Colour/Markings. – In life, dorsum, flanks and tail muscle grayish brown; small, pale flecks on body, but larger spots/ patches on tail muscle; tail fins with lightly scattered dark gray pigments; hind limbs in advanced larvae (Stages 39 and beyond) with pale areas on the knee and heel.

Oral Disc. – Marginal papillae on anterior labium confined to single row at lateral corners, a continuous row of marginal and another row of infra-marginal papillae on posterior labium; margin of upper jaw sheath straight in the centre, without median convexity, lower jaw sheath a typical ‘V’ arch, both jaw sheaths keratinised and serrated at the margins; ODW 0.48-0.56 of BW.

LTRF. – 4(2-4)/3(1); P-1 separated in centre (discontinuous), although gap not always noticeable; size of labial teeth in P- 3 smallest.

Developmental changes. – In the emergents, additional pale areas are evident at the axillary region, upper arm to elbow and at the vent ( Fig. 6 ). No dermal fringes along the outer edges of the limbs are noticeable at this stage. Their SVL does not exceed 10mm (Table 4).

Figures

Fig. 5. Lateral (A) and dorsal (B) aspects of Rhacophorus appendiculatus larva (Stage 40). Note presence of pale spots/ blotches along tail muscle.

Fig. 6. Dorsal aspect of recent emergent of Rhacophorus appendiculatus (Stage 46). Note symmetrical pale areas on axilla, upper arm to elbow, knee, heel and around vent.