Tadpoles of high Andes anurans (Amphibia) from Venezuela: External morphology and keys [SPA]

A literature review and examination of several lots of tadpoles representative of the high Venezuelan Andes species (at least one species per genus) allowed identification of 41 useful characters. These are presented (with some illustrations) in a detailed description of their external morphology. Angle measurements (related to body longitudinal axis) are recommended to describe tail tip shape and location of oral apparatuses. Additionally, nineteen meristic data were used to assert morphological proportions. The identification key is based exclusively on external morphology (presence/absence, size, shape, number, location, etc.), that remains mostly unmodified in larval early and intermediate development. The key allows identification to genus for frogs and toads that occur in the region (six families, II general. As a model of this proposal, the tadpole of Hyla pelidna is described and illustrated for the first time; it fits the larval characteristics of the H. labialis group (keratodont rows formula 1/2 or 2/2, marginal papillae in multiple rows, rostral gap present, dextral cloacal opening abdominal [separated from the ventral fin], caudal fins widest than caudal musculature at tail midlength, narial opening with fleshy, smooth, not protuberant rim). This is a first effort to establish an anuran larval terminology in Spanish.