Abstract
Among vertebrates, the amphibians show the larger diversity of reproductive modes, including varied forms of parental care, which is very common in the Gymnophiona. Our group recently described (Nature, 440, 926-929, 2006) in the oviparous African caecilian Boulengerula taitanus a new type of parental care, in which the young feed on the female's skin (dermatophagy). In contrast, the vivi…