Mantella Frogs
Mantella Baroni, Mantella Betsileo, Mantella Crocea, Mantella Madagascariensis
Mantella Baroni
WILD STATUS
Ranging from Least Concern to Endangered (Mantella Crocea).
DISTRIBUTION
Madagascar.
SIZE
Females: 22-28 mm
Males: 20-27 mm
HABITAT
Depending on the species, their habits range from lowland sea level to 500-1200 meters above sea level and from virgin forests, to rainforests, to swamp land. The one consistent requirement is a damp environment.
REPRODUCTION
Mantellas need a cool, dry, semi-dormant period for successful breeding. Eggs are laid in cavities under rocks and dead tree trunks in masses of 26-65 eggs. The tadpoles hatch during rainfall and are washed by the rainfall into small pools of water. After approximately 36 days, the tadpoles measure 30mm and metamorphosis is complete after 70 days.
DIET
In the wild they regularly eat caterpillars, meadow plankton, aphids, spiders, ants and termites. In captivity, their diets include crickets and fruit flies.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Mantellas are tiny frogs whose bright colouring warns predators that many of them are poisonous.
- Unlike many other frog species, Mantellas do not have webbed feet and they are diurnal (active during the day), instead of nocturnal.
- During the mating season, males will sit exposed on slightly elevated points near their territory, calling for females. Wrestling will ensue between males but rarely lasts more than a few seconds.
- A group of Mantellas is referred to as an army.
- The pet trade, habitat loss, contaminants, and climate change are the major threats to Mantellas.
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
To download the information from this page and receive a full page photo of the Mantella Frogs click here for a PDF.
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