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
Ventrolateral glands well
developed, reaching axilla and groin and narrowly separated on chest.
Tongue ovoid, emarginate posteriorly, and only slightly free behind;
vomerine teeth 3-3, situated on small triangular elevations between
ovid inner nares; openings to vocal sac large, one situated along
inner posterior edge of each mandibular ramus.
Dorsum of head, body, and limbs reddish brown with indistinct,
irregular darker brown markings on body and dark brown transverse
bands or spots on limbs; first and second fingers creamy white; third
and fourth fingers brown; dorsal surfaces of tarsi and third, fourth,
and fifth toes tan with brown spots; first and second toes and webbing
on feet creamy tan; enamel-white stripe along edge of upper lip
continuing over, and on posterior edge of, forearm to groin, expanded
to form spot below eye; belly white, unspotted; ventrolateral glands
pale brown; ventral surfaces of hind limbs and anterior and posterior
surfaces of thighs cream color; enamel-white stripe on heel; creamy
white stripe along ventrolateral edges of tarsi and forearms.
In life dorsum reddish brown (Terra Cotta) with dark brown (Burnt
Umber) markings; first and second fingers and first and second toes
orange-yellow (Light Orange-Yellow); posterior surfaces of thighs pale
reddish tan (Ochraceous-Salmon); webbing on feet yellowish tan (Deep
Colonial Buff); belly white; iris red (Nopal Red).
_Variation._--Little variation in structural characters was observed.
All but five specimens have bifid subarticular tubercles beneath the
fourth finger. Three specimens have cordiform tongues, and in four
others the tongue is ovoid and shallowly notched behind; all other
specimens have an emarginate ovoid tongue.
Some individuals when active at night had a pale brown
(Ochraceous-Tawny) dorsum with dull olive green (Dark Olive Buff)
markings. Otherwise there was no noticeable variation in color.
_Description of tadpole._--The following description is based on KU
60051 from Finca La Paz, Depto. San Marcos, Guatemala (Figs. 5A and
6E). Small hind limbs; total length, 37.9 mm.; body length, 11.6 mm.;
body length/total length, 30.6 per cent. Body only slightly depressed,
nearly as deep as wide, in dorsal profile ovoid, widest just posterior
to eyes; in lateral profile snout rounded; mouth directed ventrally;
eyes small, directed dorsolaterally; nostrils barely protuberant,
directed anteriorly, somewhat closer to eye than snout; spiracle
sinistral and posteroventrad to eye; anal tube dextral. Tail long and
slender; caudal fin low and rounded posteriorly; depth of caudal
musculature one-half greatest depth of caudal fin; musculature not
extending to tip of tail.
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