The morphology, systematics, and evolution of the Old World treefrogs (Rhacophoridae and Hyperoliidae)

Abstract

The Hyperoliidae includes 14 genera (eight examined) in Africa, Madagascar, and the Seychelles Islands; their generic limits are in accord with those in previous studies.The Rhacophoridae probably evolved from a ranid stock in the Orient, but four primitive genera reached Madagascar, where they still occur, and one advanced genus appears to have recently reached Africa.The Hyperoliidae evolved from a ranid stock in Africa but have also dispersed to Madagascar and the Seychelles Islands, where the family is represented by one endemic genus each.CONTENTS PAOB The Morphology, Systematics, and Evolution of the Old World Treefrogs^ (Rhacophoridae and Hyperoliidae) He recognized 11 genera in that subfamily: Hyperolius, * Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology in the Graduate College of the University of Illinois, 1969.*A11 members of Rhacophoridae (i.e., all Asiatic genera plus Boophis, Manti- daclylus, Mantella, Gephyromantis, and Trachymantis from Madagascar, and Chiro- mantis from Africa) and all members of the Hyperoliidae {Heterixalus from Madagascar, Megalixalus from the Seychelles, and all African hyperoliid genera).