A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus PtychohylaDuellman, William Edward
Science
A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla
Duellman, William Edward
Amphibians -- Central America; Amphibians -- Mexico; Ptychohyla
More than half of the specimens from Finca La Paz agree in all
essential characters with the description given above. The
distinctness of the white stripe on the upper lip is variable; in two
individuals the stripe is barely discernible. Likewise, in some
individuals the white stripe on the flanks is not distinct, either
because there are few or no brown spots separating the stripe from the
pale venter, or because the ventrolateral gland has diffused the pale
color on the flanks. There is some noticeable variation in dorsal
coloration, either through a greater or lesser development of dark
pigment. One specimen (KU 58007) is grayish tan above with dark brown
markings; the posterior surfaces of the thighs are dull grayish
yellow; the first and second fingers and the webbing on the hands are
pale yellowish gray; the belly and throat are dusty white; the flecks
on the throat are gray; the ventral surfaces of the feet are grayish
brown. Dark individuals, such as KU 58009 have a uniform dark brownish
black dorsum; the belly is cream; the first and second fingers and the
webbing on the hands are dull creamy tan; the dorsal and ventral
surfaces of the feet are dark brown. In KU 58013 there is a heavy
suffusion of brown on the throat and flanks. Two specimens have
scattered white flecks on the dorsum.
The reddish brown dorsal ground-color with dark brown reticulations on
the head and body and dark brown transverse bands on the limbs seems
to be rather constant throughout the range of the subspecies.
Likewise, the presence of the white stripe on the upper lip and the
white stripe around the anal opening are present on most specimens. In
breeding males having well-developed ventrolateral glands the lateral
white stripe often is obliterated.
_Description of Tadpole._--The following description is based on KU
60042 from Finca La Paz, Depto. San Marcos, Guatemala (Figs. 4A and
6A). No limb buds; total length, 35.8 mm.; body length, 11.2 mm.; body
length/total length, 31.3 per cent. Body moderately depressed,
slightly wider than deep, ovoid in dorsal profile; mouth directed
ventrally; eyes small, directed dorsolaterally; nostrils slightly
protuberant and directed anteriorly, closer to eye than snout;
spiracle sinistral and posteroventrad to eye; anal tube dextral.
Caudal fin low, rounded posteriorly; depth of caudal musculature about
one-half greatest depth of caudal fin; musculature extends nearly to
tip of tail.
Mouth large; lips having deep lateral folds; two complete rows of
papillae on lips; five to six rows of papillae laterally. Beaks
moderately developed, bearing peglike serrations; slender lateral
projections on upper beak; tooth-rows 4/6; upper rows subequal in
length, second longest; fourth row interrupted medially; lower rows
complete; lower rows 1-4 equal in length to upper rows; fifth lower
row somewhat shorter; sixth lower row short.
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