AbstractThe histogenesis of fungiform papillae has been studied in two premetamorphic, ten metamorphic and one adult stage ofRana catesbeiana.The gustatory papillae anlagen consist of club‐shaped groups of cells and are first seen just prior to the onset of metamorphosis. The distal portion of the cell group forms the end‐disc or taste bud of the papilla, while the proximal portion of the cell group forms the epithelial walls of the papilla's stalk region. The papillary core is derived from the general corium of the tongue.The end‐disc of a mature fungiform papilla possesses seven distinct forms of epithelial cells, viz.: goblet, rod, forked, fusiform, ciliated columnar, diagonal columnar and cuboidal cells. A nerve‐cushion is present beneath the end‐disc. It consists of a distal homogeneous zone and a basal fibrous portion. The papillary stalk consists of a single layer of unciliated cuboidal and diagonal columnar cells surrounding the papilla's core.Developmental and histological differences are noted when comparingRana catesbeianawithRana