Duttaphrynus melanostictus

Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) Fig. 2 A Material. Trunk vertebra (ASIZF 0101045). Description. The vertebra is large, wider than long, with a centrum that is procoelous and slightly dorsoventrally compressed. The neural canal is larger than both cotyle and condyle. The walls of the neural arch are robustly built, bearing a low but distinct carina neuralis. The prezygapophyses and postzygapophyses are dorsally elevated and extend laterally. A single transverse process is preserved and extends distally. Remarks. The substantial size of the vertebra (> 4.5 mm in length), its proportions, and robust construction suggest that it belongs to the Bufonidae. Given its dimension and general morphology, the vertebra most likely represents a mid-trunk element, probably the 3 rd or 4 th presacral vertebra. Of the more than 30 native anuran species in Taiwan, only two bufonids, Bufo bankorensis (Barbour, 1908) and Duttaphrynus melanostictus, attain a comparable size. Trunk vertebrae of both species are morphologically similar; however, the centrum of B. bankorensis is more elevated in lateral view (Fig. 2 C 5), whereas that of D. melanostictus is flatter and more dorsoventrally compressed.