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Type: Articles
Published: 2012-05-30
Page range: 1–19
Abstract views: 126
PDF downloaded: 1

Description of three Rhacophorus tadpoles (Lissamphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)

Zoologisches Museum Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern, Bernastrasse 15, CH-3005 Bern, Switzerland
Zoologisches Museum Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
Zoologisches Museum Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
Institut für Integrierte Naturwissenschaften, Abteilung Biologie, Universität Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, 56070 Koblenz, Germany
Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
Zoologisches Museum Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern, Bernastrasse 15, CH-3005 Bern, Switzerland
Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
Amphibia Rhacophorus rufipes R. penanorum R. dulitensis tadpole description larval morphology oral disc rheophilous tadpole DNA barcoding

Abstract

This communication reports the discovery of the hitherto unknown larval forms of Rhacophorus rufipes and R. penanorum, andre-describes the tadpole of R. dulitensis. Tadpoles of all three species were discovered at Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak(Borneo), Malaysia. The identity of the larvae was determined by DNA barcoding techniques using partial 16S rRNA mito-chondrial gene sequences. Larval DNA sequences matched those of syntopic adults of respective species. Detailed descriptionsof external morphology and colouration in life are provided along with ecological notes. The tadpole of R. rufipes and R.dulitensis can be classified as generalized, benthic-nectonic type, whereas tadpoles of R. penanorum show adaptations typical for a lotic, rheophilous lifestyle.

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