Developmental Ecology and Larval Staging in Polypedates otilophus (Boulenger, 1893) (Anura: Rhacophoridae)

Tadpoles of Polypedates otilophus originating from two different foam nests were raised at water temperatures between 19°C and 27°C. A larval staging table according to Gosner is provided for the first time for the genus. The clutch sizes of the foam nests differed (19 and 49 eggs, respectively), but only 14 and 17 tadpoles hatched at stage 25. The first tadpole of nest one completed metamorphosis after 120 days and the first tadpole of nest two after 131 days. Before metamorphosis is completed, the metamorphs developed significant brown striation which is first visible on the hind legs and
subsequently also on the dorsal side of the body. Detailed characteristics of each larval stage are provided. We herein provide the first detailed report on the larval development of P. otilophus, which can be used as surrogate species for captive management of other Polypedates taxa. Most interestingly, the temporal development of larvae in this species appears to be extremely plastic and strongly depending on ambient temperature.