Howard L. Freeman, Systematic Status of a South American Frog…
“ 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. ”
Howard L. Freeman, Systematic Status of a South American Frog…
“ In one or more characters generally regarded as important, Allophryne differs from all presently defined families of frogs. The Hylidae and Dendrobatidae are the only currently recognized families in which the genus might be placed.The function and taxonomic importance of the large septomaxillae are unknown and are probably associated with the modification of the sphenethmoid-prevomer area. A more detailed study of the cranial osteology of Allophryne, especially the structural relationships of the sphenethmoid-prevomer area may elucidate the relationships of Allophryne. ”
Howard L. Freeman, Systematic Status of a South American Frog…
“ The presence of intercalary elements in the digits is characteristic of the Centrolenidae, Hylidae, Phrynomeridae, Pseudidae, and the rhacophorine ranids (including the Hyperoliidae) . This element is bony in the pseudids and cartilaginous in the other families. Phrynomerids and rhacophorine ranids lack epicoracoidal horns and have firmisternal pectoral girdles. Centrolenids are small, delicate, arboreal frogs having poorly ossified skulls and fused tarsal bones, but agree with Allophryne in having T-shaped terminal phalanges. ”
