The First Case of Complex Anomaly of the Thoracic Girdle and Forelimb of the Marsh Frog (<i>Pelophylax ridibundus</i>) in the Population of Volgograd (Volgograd oblast’, Russia)

Skeletal anomalies are one of the most discussed phenomenon that is often registered in many vertebrates, including anuran amphibians. However, information about amphibians from the Volgograd oblast’ (Russia) remains fragmentary, and the teratological studies from this region are completely unknown. The present study devoted to a description of a complex anomaly in Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771), including ectrodactyly of the front right limb with shortening of the II – IV digits carpals and of an additional bone fragment of the sternum attached to the cartilago epicoracoidea. Possible causes of anomaly observed are discussed.