Ontogenetic systematic characterisation of an endemic frog Rhacophorus malabaricus Jerdon, 1870 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Western Ghats, Kerala, India

In the present study, complete description of development and metamorphosis an endemic frog Rhacophorus malabaricus, Jerdon, 1870, is documented in its natural habitat from Southern part Western Ghats (Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, India). A brief illustration each Gosner stage (fertilized egg to metamorphosed froglet) given based on direct monitoring characterisation morphological morphometric variations. The identity tadpoles was confirmed by gene sequencing. Fertilisation early (cleavage, blastulation gastrulation neurulation) take place inside foam at 21.4 ± 0.1°C. motile begins 3rd day, after hatching then eventually dropping into water body. Hind limbs start differentiation first 15th day. larva attains maximum size (TL 48.70 0.22 mm) stages 42. measurements are significantly correlated with especially 26 39. Oral disc features described LTRF 7(3-7)/3 KRF 2:5+5/3. morphometrical data R. malabaricus compared other known Kuhl & Van Hasselt, 1822 members. study shows that relative lengths TL, SVL, BH TAL significant characters for taxonomy. Morphological (limb bud development, pigmentation, oral features, etc.) potentially useful tadpole anuran taxonomy or later.