Identification and Description of the Tadpole of the Parachuting Frog Rhacophorus catamitus from Southern Sumatra, Indonesia

The Indonesian parachuting frog Rhacophorus catamitus is endemic to the mountains of southern Sumatra. Herein, we describe the larval morphology of this species based on several developmental stages. Tadpoles were collected from localities that ranged in elevation from 1,068-1,680 m in montane primary and secondary growth rainforest habitats. We matched larvae to an adult paratype and a referred specimen using mitochondrial DNA. The tadpole of R. catamitus has a conspicuous black tail tip and a larval morphology similar to most congeners. Characteristics of this body plan include a ventral oral disc, jaw sheaths, several labial tooth rows, dorsolaterally positioned eyes, a single sinistral spiracle, and a median anal tube. All specimens (N = 28) have a large suctorial oral disc with 9-11 tooth rows (6-8 anterior, 3 posterior) that we hypothesize is an adaptation for life in fast-flowing streams. At least two size cohorts of R. catamitus larvae were collected in June 1996, suggesting that this species may breed either continuously or opportunistically throughout the year.