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The Tadpole of Epipedobates darwinwallacei Cisneros-Hebkp_redia and Yánez-Muñoz, 2011 (Dendrobatidae: Colostethinae), with New Synapomorphies for Epipedobates

Abstract:

The trans-Andean genus Epipedobates comprises seven species, of which tadpoles have been described for five. Herein, we describe the tadpole of Epipedobates darwinwallacei and compare it to free-swimming tadpoles of E. anthonyi, E. boulengeri, E. espinosai, E. machalilla, E. narinensis, and E.Tricolor. Furthermore, we suggest as putative synapomorphies for the genus Epipedobates the following larval character-states: (i) shelf on the upper jaw sheath, and (ii) subcutaneous melanophores distributed in two transverse bands in the peribranchial area. Additionally, the presence of white spots on the anterolateral and ventrolateral surfaces of the body is possibly synapomorphic but requires further study.