Intra-Specific Variation in Pseudepidalea viridis in Fars Province, Iran: Life History and Developmental Patterns

This study describes the influences of variations in life history traits and developmental patterns of Pseudepidalea viridis. The causes of this variation were investigated by comparing observed patterns of inter-populational differences. The aim of the study was to investigate whether embryos and larvae from different populations of P. viridis show the same pattern of development when they are reared in the same conditions in the laboratory. Egg masses of P. viridis were collected from four sites in Fars Province, Iran and reared in the same conditions. Samples from most of the developmental stages were fixed and clutch parameters were measured at early developmental stages. Morphological characters in embryos and larvae including egg diameter and growing size at different stages, as well as external gill, cement gland and mouth part structures were examined with light and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis showed that the mean diameter of eggs and jelly coats were significantly different (P < 0.05) from each other in all four populations. In addition, variation among sites in developmental stage at age of embryos and larvae were found. The results also showed type B cement gland developmental pattern and significant differences in external gill filaments amongst the populations. The dental formula was 2 (2)/3 and revealed no differences in the number and situation of dental rows among the populations. Our data suggest that local adaptation may be responsible for life history and morphometric and morphological variations among eggs, embryos and larvae of P. viridis.