Shape variation in lentic and lotic tadpoles of Melanophryniscus (Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract

The bufonid genus Melanophryniscus includes 26 species that are divided into three phenetic groups based on adult morphology. Larvae develop in environments such as temporary ponds, streams or phytotelms. We studied variation in external morphology related to lentic and lotic microhabitats, through landmark-based geometric morphometrics on body shape, and multivariate analysis on oral disc measurements. Results show a morphological continuum between species that inhabit lentic versus lotic water systems. Features both in body shape and oral disc coincide with previous characterizations of lentic and lotic tadpoles published elsewhere.