Larval Descriptions Of Some Poorly Known Tadpoles From Peninsular Malaysia (Amphibia: Anura) Author Ming, Leong Tzi text Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 2004 52 2 609 620 journal article 10.5281/zenodo.13244025 2345-7600 13244025 Rhacophorus appendiculatus ( Günther, 1858 ) ( Figs. 5 , 6 , Table 4) Larval microhabitat. – Temporary forest pool (ca. 5 x 2m , 5cm deep; recently rain-filled) in lowland forest at foothills of Gunong Panti, south east Johor ( 1 51’N , 103 23’E ) (ZRC.1.10284-10323; coll. T. M. Leong et al., 14 Dec.2002 ). Adults of this species were seen and heard at this site, with vouchers collected (ZRC.1.10239-10246). Other rhacophorids encountered here include Polypedates leucomystax and P . macrotis . However, their larvae were not to be seen in the pool at that time. Larval diagnosis. – A small, benthic tadpole (maximum TL ca. 27mm , BL ca. 11mm ); light patches/spots present along tail muscle; advanced hindlimbs exhibiting pale areas on knee and heel; LTRF 4(2-4)/3(1). Fig. 4. Ventral aspect of larval Limnonectes laticeps (Stage 37). Note single pair of elongate papillae (P) trailing from upper rim of mouth; complete absence of anterior or posterior labia (and associated marginal/infra-marginal papillae), labial tooth rows, or jaw sheaths. Nostrils (N) visible at upper edge of snout; yolk sac (YS) extensive; H = heart; SO = spiracular opening. Scale bar = 1mm. Larval morphology. – ( Fig. 5 ) Body elliptical, BL 1.63-1.67 of BW, slightly depressed dorsoventrally, BH 0.65-0.72 of BW; snout rounded, nostril equidistant between eye and snout tip; eyes dorsolateral, IOD 2.31-2.41 of IND; spiracle sinistral, not projecting as a free tube, oval opening directed upwards and backwards, snout-spiracle 0.54-0.58 of BL; vent dextral, fused with ventral fin, opening directed towards posterior. Tail tapering only at distal 3 / 4 towards a narrowly rounded tip, fins sub-parallel for anterior half of tail, dorsal fin slightly deeper than ventral fin at midpoint of tail, TAL 1.78-1.92 of BL, MTH 0.23-0.26 of TAL. Naso-lacrymal groove and lateral line pores present. Colour/Markings. – In life, dorsum, flanks and tail muscle grayish brown; small, pale flecks on body, but larger spots/ patches on tail muscle; tail fins with lightly scattered dark gray pigments; hind limbs in advanced larvae (Stages 39 and beyond) with pale areas on the knee and heel. Oral Disc. – Marginal papillae on anterior labium confined to single row at lateral corners, a continuous row of marginal and another row of infra-marginal papillae on posterior labium; margin of upper jaw sheath straight in the centre, without median convexity, lower jaw sheath a typical ‘V’ arch, both jaw sheaths keratinised and serrated at the margins; ODW 0.48-0.56 of BW. LTRF. – 4(2-4)/3(1); P-1 separated in centre (discontinuous), although gap not always noticeable; size of labial teeth in P- 3 smallest. Developmental changes. – In the emergents, additional pale areas are evident at the axillary region, upper arm to elbow and at the vent ( Fig. 6 ). No dermal fringes along the outer edges of the limbs are noticeable at this stage. Their SVL does not exceed 10mm (Table 4).