Developmental Stages of Lotic-breeding Toad, Bufo torrenticola, with a Comparison to Lentic-breeding B. japonicus formosus (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract

The development of lotic-breeding Bufo torrenticola is described from zygote to completion of metamorphosis in captivity at 13±1°C. We delimit 56 developmental stages based on external features. We describe developmental stages so as to be comparable to common stages that are widely used for anurans. We also compare the larval development between B. torrenticola in lotic water and lentic water, and with lentic-breeding B. japonicus formosus in lentic water. Our results suggest tadpole mouth size in B. torrenticola is determined by genetic factors, but the tail muscle volume is determined by both genetic and environmental factors.