Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus SmiliscaDuellman, William Edward
Science
Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Smilisca
Duellman, William Edward
Amphibians -- Central America; Frogs; Smilisca
In order to determine the reproductive potential of the six species,
ovulated eggs were removed from females and counted. The numbers of eggs
recorded are: 3 _S. baudini_--2620, 2940, 3320; 1 _S. cyanosticta_--910;
3 _S. phaeota_--1665, 1870, 2010; 1 _S. puma_--518; 3 _S. sila_--369,
390, 473; 3 _S. sordida_--524, 702, 856. These limited data indicate
that the large species (_S. baudini_, _cyanosticta_, and _phaeota_) have
more eggs than do the smaller species. The stream-breeding species (_S.
sila_ and _sordida_) have relatively few eggs by comparison with the
pond-breeders. Possibly this is a function of size of eggs rather than a
correlation with the site of egg-deposition.
Tadpoles
The acquisition of tadpoles of all of the species of _Smilisca_ has made
possible the use of larval characters in erecting a classification and
in estimating the phylogenetic relations of the several species.
Furthermore, developmental series of tadpoles of four species allow a
comparison of the growth and development in these species. Throughout
the discussion of tadpoles we have referred to the various developmental
stages by the Stage Numbers proposed by Gosner (1960).
_General Structure_
Tadpoles of the genus _Smilisca_ are of a generalized hylid type, having
2/3 tooth-rows, unspecialized beaks, mouth partly or completely bordered
by papillae, lateral fold present in the lips, spiracle sinistral, anal
tube dextral, and caudal musculature extending nearly to tip of caudal
fin. Although minor differences exist in coloration, proportions, and
mouthparts, no great modifications of the basic structure are present.
_Comparison of Species_
The larval characters of the species of _Smilisca_ are compared below
and illustrated in Figures 11-15.
_Shape and Proportions._--The bodies of _S. baudini_, _cyanosticta_,
_phaeota_, and _puma_ are rounded and about as wide as deep; the eyes
are moderately large and directed dorsolaterally, and the nostrils are
about midway between the bluntly rounded snout and the eyes. The mouths
are medium-sized and directed anteroventrally. The bodies of tadpoles of
_S. sila_ and _sordida_ are slightly compressed dorso-ventrally. The
snout is moderately long and sloping; the eyes are larger and directed
more dorsally than in the other species, and the nostrils are closer to
the eyes than the snout. The mouths are moderately large and directed
ventrally.
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