The musculoskeletal system and natural history of Barygenys maculata (Anura, Microhylidae) a burrowing frog of New Guinea

ABSTRACT

The complete skeleton and muscular systems of the burrowing microhylid frog, Barygenys maculata, are described and are compared to that of the morphologically similar burrowing African frog, Hemisus marmoratus. Based on morphological similarities it is assumed that their burrowing methods are similar though no direct observations have been made on Barygenys in life. What little is known about other aspects of the natural history of Barygenys species is also recounted.

KEYWORDS:

• Anatomy
• ecology
• behaviour

Acknowledgments

Dr Rachel Norris was kind enough to review my original manuscript; the South Australian Museum allowed loan of specimens and numerous residents of Papua New Guinea provided with me with assistance while I was on field work in that country. The School of Biological Sciences at Adelaide University has supported me after I left the University of Papua New Guinea. I thank you all.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 Xenobatrachus in earlier literature.

Additional information

Funding

This work was not funded.