Structure of the femoral gland and habitat features of an endemic anuran, Nyctibatrachus major (Boulenger)

Abstract

Nycnbatrachus major (Boulenger) is one of the uncommon ranid anurans endemic to the Western Ghats. This paper describes the habitat features, sexual dimorphism in the male and female and morphometry of the species. The males of this species possess sex-specific, bilaterally symmetrical, ventral femoral glands, which are modified mucous glands and are likely to aid to amplexus. The structure of the femoral glands is described in relation to the seasons.