For the first time the tadpole of Tomopterna cryptotis is described and pictured in detail with regard to buccopharyngeal structures. Diagnostic larval characters that separate T. cryptotishom other Tomopterna species are discussed. Morphological peculiarities are interpreted in view of their adaptive significance. Keywords: larvae, buccopharyngeal structures, morphology, Tomopterna cryptotis, Tomopterna, Ranidae, southern Africa, Namibia.