Larval morphology of Frostius pernambucensis (Anura): contribution of larval characters for the systematics of the family Bufonidae and evolution of endotrophic tadpoles

Abstract

Frostius pernambucensis is a phytotelm-breeding frog with endotrophic larvae. Although the larvae were formally described, no aspect of its internal morphology is known. In this paper, we re-describe the tadpole based on a large sample, describe its internal anatomy (buccopharyngeal cavity and musculo-skeletal system), provide data on natural history, and discuss the evolution of endotrophy and phytotelma colonization. The tadpoles of F. pernambucensis are highly modified, with depressed bodies, reduced mouthparts, and long tails. Many character-states described for these tadpoles can be related to its endotrophic development. Consequence of this highly modified phenotype, we propose several novel putative synapomorphies for the genus: (1) labial tooth row formula 1/1; (2) absence of pustulation in the buccal roof and (3) floor; (4) absence of median ridge; (5) absence of lateral ridge papillae; (6) absence of secretory ridges and pores; (7) absence of filter plates; (7) m. subarcualis rectus II–IV originating on ceratobranchial III; (8) m. subarcualis rectus II–IV inserting on ceratobranchial I; (8) ventral slip of the m. subarcualis rectus I inserting on the ceratobranchial III; (9) suprarostral corpora fused to the cornua trabeculae; (10) commissura quadratoorbitalis absent; (11) cerabranchial II attached to the planum hypobranchiale; and (12) ceratobranchial III attached to the planum hypobranchiale. Finally, we also propose that the presence of a single pair of infralabial papilla could represent a synapomorphy of bufonids. The colonization of phytotelma seem to have created a selective pression on the development of F. pernambucenis, favoring the evolution of endotrophy.