DIRECT DEVELOPMENT IN THE RHACOPHORID FROG, PHILAUTUS VARIABILIS (GUNTHER)

摘要

Direct development was observed in the tree frog, Philautas variabilis under laboratory conditions at 25 degrees C temperature and relative humidity 76-85%. Eggs were unpigmented creamy white in colour and large in size. Development has been divided into 12 stages. Cleavage started after 7 hours of oviposition. Further, the morphological changes during the development of eyes, limbs, gills, appearance of pigmentation and embryonic behaviour were observed. There was no free swimming tadpole stage and the froglets hatched after 12 days of development. The present study provides evidence of direct development for the first time in the tropical Indian anuran. [References: 14]