In order to determine the reproductive potential of the six species, ovulated eggs were removed from females and counted. The numbers of eggs recorded are: 3 _S. baudini_--2620, 2940, 3320; 1 _S. cyanosticta_--910; 3 _S. phaeota_--1665, 1870, 2010; 1 _S. puma_--518; 3 _S. sila_--369, 390, 473; 3 _S. sordida_--524, 702, 856. These limited data indicate that the large species (_S. baudini_, _cyanosticta_, and _phaeota_) have more eggs than do the smaller species. The stream-breeding species (_S. sila_ and _sordida_) have relatively few eggs by comparison with the pond-breeders. Possibly this is a function of size of eggs rather than a correlation with the site of egg-deposition.
The acquisition of tadpoles of all of the species of _Smilisca_ has made possible the use of larval characters in erecting a classification and in estimating the phylogenetic relations of the several species. Furthermore, developmental series of tadpoles of four species allow a comparison of the growth and development in these species. Throughout the discussion of tadpoles we have referred to the various developmental stages by the Stage Numbers proposed by Gosner (1960).
Tadpoles of the genus _Smilisca_ are of a generalized hylid type, having 2/3 tooth-rows, unspecialized beaks, mouth partly or completely bordered by papillae, lateral fold present in the lips, spiracle sinistral, anal tube dextral, and caudal musculature extending nearly to tip of caudal fin. Although minor differences exist in coloration, proportions, and mouthparts, no great modifications of the basic structure are present.
The larval characters of the species of _Smilisca_ are compared below and illustrated in Figures 11-15.
_Shape and Proportions._--The bodies of _S. baudini_, _cyanosticta_, _phaeota_, and _puma_ are rounded and about as wide as deep; the eyes are moderately large and directed dorsolaterally, and the nostrils are about midway between the bluntly rounded snout and the eyes. The mouths are medium-sized and directed anteroventrally. The bodies of tadpoles of _S. sila_ and _sordida_ are slightly compressed dorso-ventrally. The snout is moderately long and sloping; the eyes are larger and directed more dorsally than in the other species, and the nostrils are closer to the eyes than the snout. The mouths are moderately large and directed ventrally.