A comparative study of divergent embryonic and larval development in the Australian frog genus Geocrinia (Anura: Myobatrachidae)

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 8 years ago

ABSTRACT – Embryonic and larval development of the seven Geocrinia species across Australia are described and compared. This Australian myobatrachid genus includes three species with terrestrial embryonic development followed by aquatic exotrophic larval development and four species with entirely terrestrial and endotrophic development. Comparisons are made among species within the terrestrial/exotrophic group and the endotrophic group, and between the two breeding modes of each different species-group. Morphological differences are noted between northern and southeast coastal Western Australian populations of G. leai tadpoles. The G. rosea group shares some similarities with the other Australian endotrophic species in the genus Philoria and Crinia nimbus.