Larval systematics of the Peninsular Malaysian Ranidae (Amphibia: Anura)

Abstract

The anuran family Ranidae is represented by 34 species in Peninsular Malaysia, whose known tadpole types demonstrate a diverse spectrum of larval forms. Diagnostic larvae for five species, whose tadpoles were previously unknown, were discovered and described (Limnonectes laticeps, L. tweediei, L. nitidus, Rana miopus and R. laterimaculata). The tadpole of L. laticeps displays an atypical nutritional mode a?? endotrophic, with reduced mouthparts. The tadpole of R. laterimaculata exhibits an atypical body form, remarkably similar to Staurois natator. A new species, Rana banjarana, was described from the highlands. Cladistic analyses was attempted for the two most speciose genera, Limnonectes and Rana, separately. For Limnonectes (eight species analysed), there was support for pairings between L. blythii and L. malesianus (L. macrodon group); between L. nitidus and L. tweediei (L. tweediei group). For Rana (13 species analysed), there was support for the grouping of members within the Rana erythraea group (R. erythraea, R. macrodactyla and R. nicobariensis) and the Rana glandulosa group (R. glandulosa and R. laterimaculata).