Feeding mechanisms in two treefrogs, Hyla nana and Scinax nasicus (Anura: Hylidae)

After the description of the chondrocranium, hyobranchial apparatus, associated musculature, buccal apparatus, buccopharyngeal cavity, digestive tract, and gut contents, it was possible to define the feeding modes of Scinax nasicus and Hyla nana tadpoles (Gosner Stages 31–36). Scinax nasicus larvae...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of morphology (1931) 2004-08, Vol.261 (2), p.206-224
Main Authors: Vera Candioti, M.F., Lavilla, E.O., Echeverría, D.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Anura - anatomy & histology
Anura - physiology
Cheek - anatomy & histology
Cheek - physiology
Feeding Behavior - physiology
feeding mechanisms
Gastrointestinal Tract - anatomy & histology
Gastrointestinal Tract - physiology
Hyla nana
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Muscle, Skeletal - ultrastructure
Pharynx - physiology
Pharynx - ultrastructure
Scinax nasicus
Skull - anatomy & histology
Skull - physiology
tadpole morphology
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Summary:After the description of the chondrocranium, hyobranchial apparatus, associated musculature, buccal apparatus, buccopharyngeal cavity, digestive tract, and gut contents, it was possible to define the feeding modes of Scinax nasicus and Hyla nana tadpoles (Gosner Stages 31–36). Scinax nasicus larvae are “typical” microphagous tadpoles, with keratodonts and robust rostrodonts appropriate for rasping surfaces and mincing of food particles; the buccopharyngeal cavity is equipped with filtering structures and has a conspicuous glandular zone and a highly developed branchial basket. In contrast, H. nana tadpoles have a modified buccal apparatus; the reduction of the buccopharyngeal and branchial basket structures, together with the high lever–arm ratio and the great development of the depressor muscles of the buccal floor are indicative of macrophagous feeding. J. Morphol. 261:206–224, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ISSN:0362-2525
1097-4687
DOI:10.1002/jmor.10239