Description of the tadpole of Agalychnis hulli (Anura: Hylidae)

Abstract

The collection of larval specimens from Amazonian Ecuador allows for the scientific description of the tadpole of Agalychnis hulli. The tadpole is unusual among Phyllomedusinae and its external morphology appears more similar to species of Hylomantis than other species of Agalychnis, suggesting the species may well represent an important evolutionary link between these genera. The tadpole, which to date has remained undescribed, can be distinguished from all other Agalychnis tadpoles in having an oral disc (i) that is directed anteroventrally and extends to more than half the width of the body, (ii) which is modified into a short funnel- shaped structure, (iii) and surrounded by a single row of marginal papillae.