Abstract
We describe and compare the tadpole morphology of nine species of frogs of the endemic Madagascan genus Mantella based upon specimens identified through DNA barcoding or captive bred. The tadpole morphology of M. crocea/ milotympanum-hybrids, M. madagascariensis, M. pulchra, M. viridis, M. baroni, M. bernhardi and M. betsileo is described for the first time. In general, Mantella have small and generalized tadpoles with a uniform dark colouration. The oral disc is elliptical, emarginated, and positioned anteroventrally. In M. laevigata the oral disc is rounded, not emarginated, and positioned ventrally; eyes are positioned and directed dorsally, while in other species they are directed dorsolaterally. Labial tooth row formulas of Mantella tadpoles differ among some species, and in M. aurantiaca and M. crocea/milotympanum they also show intraspecific variation. Species identification is difficult when considering only morphometric variables. Tadpoles within each species group of the genus do not cluster together (except for some clustering of species belonging to the M. madagascariensis group), confirming that the larval morphology in closely related Mantella species is not suitable for determining phylogenetic relationships. Mantella laevigata, distinguished by tree-hole breeding and parental care, shows the most distinguished larval morphology.References
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