Fig. 1. Larval development in the Early Cretaceous pipid Thoraciliacus rostriceps from Makhtesh Ramon, Israel. A. The earliest recorded larva, with rudimentary ribs and not−yet fused neural arches; stage NF 59, dorsal aspect (HUJZ−Th01). B. Same developmental stage (HUJZ−FL3b). C. Stage NF 60, ventral view (HUJZ−Th03); note the anterior tip of the parasphenoid exceeding beyond the both frontoparietals. The photo taken by Zeiss Stemi 2000C stereomicroscope (C1). The photo taken by means of the image analysing software "Image Pro Plus" (C2). D. Stage NF 60, dorsal view (HUJZ−Th02). The photo taken by Zeiss Stemi 2000C stereomicroscope (D1). The photo taken by means of the image analysing software "Image Pro Plus" (D2). E. Stage NF 61, ventral view (HUJZ−Th04). Rudiments of ilia and femora are marked by arrows. F. Estimated stage NF 63, according to ossified tips of toes, probably ventral aspect (HUJZ−Th11). G. Postmetamorphic stage with the ilio−sacral articulation, ventral aspect (HUJZ−F301). H. Postmetamorphic stage, ventral aspect (HUJZF235); note fusion of sacral and praesacral diapophyses. I. Adult, ventral aspect (HUJZ−F93; holotype, cf. also Trueb 1999). Scale bars 5 mm.