Larval descriptions and natural history of two endemic frogs (Amphibia: Anura) from the Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats of India is known for its high anuran diversity; however, the larvae of many anurans are still unknown. Studies on anuran larvae can provide insights into their natural history and evolution, help identify cryptic species and aid in amphibian conservation. In this study, we describe the tadpoles of two poorly known species Indirana bhadrai and Micrixalus candidus from the Western Ghats, India using morphology and molecular techniques and provide details on their natural history. The morphology of the tadpoles reflected their habitats. The tadpole of Indirana bhadrai was semiterrestrial, adapted to wet rocky slopes while the tadpole of Micrixalus candidus was fossorial, found under small rocks and sand in slow-flowing streams. Molecular analysis using the 16S rRNA gene showed 100% identity between tadpoles of Indirana bhadrai, and Micrixalus candidus with their adults respectively. The larval descriptions provided in this study can help understand the ecology of the frogs from the Western Ghats.