Minervarya keralensis (Dubois, 1981)

Vomerine Teeth Structure

This species, Minervarya keralensis, has vomerine teeth arranged in two strong oblique rows that begin at the inner anterior corners of the choanae.

Head and Facial Features

It has a moderately sized head with a pointed snout. The inter-orbital space measures two-thirds the width of the upper eyelid. The tympanum is distinct and around three-quarters the diameter of the eye.

Finger Morphology

Its fingers are moderate in size, obtuse, and the first finger extends past the second.

Toe and Tarsal Features

Toes are moderately well developed and nearly completely webbed. Sub-articular tubercles are prominent; the inner metatarsal tubercle is oval, compressed, and less than half the length of the first toe. There is also a small, rounded outer metatarsal tubercle.

Hind Leg Length

When the hind leg is pulled forward, the tibio-tarsal articulation reaches the tip of the snout.

Skin Texture

The upper parts of the body have numerous very prominent warts and short glandular folds.

Coloration Patterns

The dorsal coloration is grey or brown, with darker spots; the hinder side of the thighs is black with white marbling; a broad light vertebral band is sometimes present.

Male Secondary Traits

Males have two internal vocal sacs.

Body Size

The snout-to-vent length is approximately 2.75 inches (7.0 cm).

Confirmed Distribution

Minervarya keralensis is confirmed to occur in the Western Ghats of southern India, and its type locality is "Malabar".

Unconfirmed Range Records

It has also been reported from Gujarat in northwestern India, and possibly from central Nepal and northeastern India, but it is unclear whether any of these non-Western Ghats records actually represent this species.

Natural Habitats

Within the Western Ghats, M. keralensis is a widespread species that inhabits wet evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and marshlands.

Altered Habitat Tolerance

It has also been recorded in modified human-altered habitats, including agricultural land and villages.

Breeding Habitat

It breeds in temporary ponds.