Tadpoles of three sympatric spiny frogs (Anura, Dicroglossidae, Quasipaa) from Wuyishan, China

During a rapid survey in Wuyishan, China, tadpoles of three Quasipaa species were collected from the same stream. Molecular data confirmed that these tadpoles belong to Q. exilispinosa, Q. spinosa, and Q. jiulongensis. Their external morphology was examined and described.

Based on our initial observations, the tadpoles of these three species can be distinguished in the field by the following coloration patterns: Q. jiulongensis lacks large spots on the upper tail musculature; Q. spinosa exhibits a dark stripe at the body – tail junction when viewed from above; and Q. exilispinosa has large spots on the upper tail musculature but lacks a dark stripe at the body – tail junction. This study provides the first description of the tadpole of Q. jiulongensis.