Comparative larval buccopharyngeal morphology of two glass frog species (Anura: Centrolenidae: Vitreorana)

Abstract Centrolenidae is a monophyletic group of Neotropical tree frogs. Centrolenid tadpoles usually lack pigmentation on their bodies, presenting reddish coloration in life, and are fossorial. Several phenotypic characters have been associated with fossoriality, but data on larval morphology is scarce. Herein, we describe the buccopharyngeal morphology of two Vitreonara tadpoles and identify putative synapomorphies for the family, including 1) the presence of vacuities on the buccal roof arena; 2) the nares being oriented longitudinally; 3) the presence of a conical median ridge at the end of the postnarial arena, 4) the posterior-most pair of postnarial papilla being aligned in row with the median ridge.