Glyphoglossus


Glyphoglossus is a genus of frogs in the family Microhylidae. The genus occurs in Southeastern Asia. Common name balloon frogs has been coined for it, whereas the common name squat frogs refers to the Calluella species that are now included in this genus. They are fossorial frogs that spend only limited time on the soil surface and are typically known from only few specimens.

Taxonomy

Glyphoglossus, as currently delimited, includes species formerly included in a separate genus, Calluella. Molecular genetic data strongly suggest that Glyphoglossus is nested within Calluella. Consequently, Calluella was brought into synonymy of Glyphoglossus.

Description

Diagnostic characteristics of Calluella are wide head and flattened body; reduced eyes; presence of maxillary and vomerine teeth; toes with reduced webbing; circular pupil; large, oval, and entire tongue; palate having paired dermal ridges; and a large compressed inner metatarsal tubercle under each foot.

Species

There are nine recognized species: