ible. The
proportionally gigantic septomaxillae are visible anterior
to the nasals. The moderate-sized nasals are separated
medially and in broad contact with the ethmoid posteriorly.
The palatine process of the nasal does not meet the frontal
process of the maxilla. A large frontoparietal fontanelle is
evident between the frontoparietals. The tegmen tympani are
much reduced and maintain only cartilaginous contact with
the posterior arms of the squamosals. The foramen magnum,
occipital condyles, and exoccipitals show no unusual
features. The _pars facialis_ and frontal process of the
maxilla are greatly reduced. The maxilla and premaxilla are
articulated. The high, narrow alary processes of the
premaxillae extend dorsally about two-thirds of the height
of the snout. A cartilaginous internasal septum is
illustrated (Fig. 3), but sectioning is necessary to
determine the true nature and extent of this element.

Ventrally, the skull lacks palatines. The maxillae,
premaxillae, and prevomers are edentate. The parasphenoid is
large with relatively short, stout alary (lateral)
processes. The sphenethmoid is extensive in ventral aspect
and forms the major supporting structure in the anterior
part of the skull. The pterygoid has a broad articulation
with the maxilla, a tenuous contact with the squamosal, but
is not attached to the prooetic. The anterior (zygomatic)
process of the squamosal is greatly reduced (only about
one-third the length of the posterior process).

DISCUSSION

The skull of _Allophryne_ is definitely non-hylid. Most of the
post-cranial features do not help to clarify relationships.
_Allophryne_ shares several osteological features with the
Dendrobatidae: T-shaped terminal phalanges, general cranial morphology
and procoelus vertebrae. But, the dendrobatids possess firmisternal
pectoral girdles and lack epicoracoidal horns. Also, no dendrobatid has
intercalary elements in the digits. We are, therefore, left with a
taxonomic enigma. 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 m