Anatomy, histology, and systematic implications of the head ornamentation in the males of four species of Limnonectes (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

摘要: The males of four species the Asian frog genus Limnonectes [Limnonectes dabanus (Smith, 1922a), gyldenstolpei (Andersson, 1916), macrognathus (Boulenger, 1917), and plicatellus (Stoliczka, 1873)] exhibit remarkable ornamentation in form a swollen, or cap-like, structure (caruncle) on top their heads. These caruncles vary appearance among species, neither function nor actual systematic value is known. We compared anatomy via dissections, morphometrics, radiography, histology, analysed available mitochondrial DNA sequences as well new data to place these within context larger phylogenetic hypothesis for Limnonectes. Despite externally different morphology, underlying histological virtually identical. Beneath skin that densely packed with mucous glands lies pad connective tissue overlaying parietal bone. caruncle, however, remains enigmatic. In addition presence independent evidence from osteological characters molecular support monophyly clade comprising L. dabanus, L. gyldenstolpei, L. macrognathus, L. plicatellus. are therefore interpreted robust autapomorphy this clade, suggest subgenus Elachyglossa should be restricted question. © 2014 Linnean Society London