relationships of Allophryne.

The relationships of Allophryne cannot be understood without a re-analysis of some of the features used as major criteria in frog classification (the nature of an intercalated cartilage; the nature of the sternal complex; the relative value of cranial osteology; the vertebral structure; and the thigh musculature). Some of these features have been investigated by other workers, most notably Griffiths, but others have not and need re-examination. A re-analysis of some of the major criteria used in frog classification is in progress (Callison, Lynch, and Trueb) and upon completion of that study we think the relationships of Allophryne will become apparent.

A more comprehensive study of the cranial anatomy of certain hylids, leptodactylids, dendrobatids, and atelopodids along with that of Allophryne is needed to clarify the relationships of Allophryne, and might indicate that the recognition of a fifth family is necessary.

CONCLUSION

Among currently recognized families of frogs, Allophryne is least different from the Hylidae although it is our opinion that inclusion of this genus in the Hylidae probably represents an unnatural classification. However, the present evidence suggesting that Allophryne should be in another family is less convincing than evidence suggesting it should be in the Hylidae. We tentatively place Allophryne in the Hylidae.

LITERATURE CITED

Davis, D. D. and Gore, U. R.

1936. Clearing and staining skeletons of small vertebrates. Fieldiana: Technique, 4:1-16.

Duellman, W. E.

1956. The frogs of the hylid genus Phrynohyas Fitzinger, 1843. Misc. Publs. Mus. Zool., Univ. Michigan, 96:1-47, February 21.

Gaige, H. T.

1926. A new frog from British Guiana. Occas. Papers Mus. Zool., Univ. Michigan, 176:1-3, October 14.

Gallardo, J. M.

1965. A propósito de los Leptodactylidae (Amphibia Anura). Papéis Avulsos, 17:77-87, January 1.

Griffiths, I.

1959. The phylogeny of Sminthillus limbatus and the status of the Brachycephalidae (Amphibia: Salientia). Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 132:457-87, May.

Noble, G. K.

1931. The biology of the amphibia. McGraw-Hill, New York, vii + 577 pp.

Transmitted August 2, 1966.

31-5378

Transcriber's Notes

Table 1 and Figs. 2 and 3 have been moved slightly to avoid breaking up the paragraphs of text.