Black pattern polymorphism and tadpole growth rate in two Western Australian frogs

Abstract

Two back pattern morphs are common in populations of the Western Australian frogs Ranidella insignifera and R. pseudinsignifera. Tadpoles of the ridged morph develop to metamorphosis faster than lyrate tadpoles, at no expense of size at metamorphosis. Ridged tadpoles appear to have an advantage in drier years when the breeding ponds dry quickly, before all tadpoles have finished development.