Tadpole and Breeding Habitats of Chiasmocleis shudikarensis (Anura, Microhylidae) in Central Amazonia, Brazil

ABSTRACT. In this study we describe the tadpoles of Chiasmocleis shudikarensis based on 37 individuals and 14 development stages. The tadpole of C. shudikarensis is characterized by small size (15.6 mm total length in stage 36), body rectangular in dorsal view, oval in lateral view; eyes lateral; nostrils absent; tail triangular, gradually diminishing to a pointed tip; spiracle long and wide, its distal border projecting over the anal tube and with finger-shaped projections; mouth small and terminal with marginal papillae and jaw sheaths absent; upper lip narrow, fleshy, covering the oral opening; lower lip narrow with a U-shaped medial notch. We also provide comments on spawning sites and breeding period.