Developmental biology and larval morphology of the frog Limnodynastes depressus Tyler (Myobatrachidae: Limnodynastinae)

Abstract

The larval morphology, early developmental biology and chondrocranium of Limnodynastes depressus are described and compared with the morphologically similar L. tasmaniensis and L. fletcheri. Advanced tadpoles reach a total length of 80 mm or more and the mouth disc has three upper (one divided) and three lower (one divided) rows of labial teeth. Larvae resemble those of Limnodynastes fletcheri but are generally larger. Spawn is laid as a foamy mass in water-filled depressions in the ground. The chondrocranium differs from that of L. tasmaniensis and L. fletcheri in the attachment of the processus ascendens of the arcus subocularis with the prootic.