DESCRIPTION OF THE TADPOLE AND ONTOGENIC VARIATION OF Rulyrana mcdiarmidi (ANURA: CENTROLENIDAE) OF SOUTHERN ECUADOR

Abstract

We describe the tadpole of the glass frog Rulyrana mcdiarmidi including ontogenic information on size and coloration, also the importance of ex situ management for its conservation. We use the individuals that were rescued by the flora and fauna rescue program of the Mirador-ECSA project, executed by the Senderos Corporation from a mining area in Tundayme, Zamora Chinchipe - Ecuador, the individuals are maintained by the Conservation Center of Amphibians- Amaru. In the center behaviors are observed from amplexus, egg laying, hatching and metamorphosis. The tadpole is characterized mainly by having a color between brown and reddish ocher, then, in later stages it becomes a greenish- yellow with diffuse yellow – greenish spots on the back. The structure of the oral disc is also evaluated and its formula is described. Besides, ontogeny in color at R. mcdiarmidi tadpoles is described at each tadpole stage. Finally, the information taken in ex situ management could provide us with better information to better understand the species.