Green Mantella Frog

Characteristics

A large and robust frog that can reach 30 mm (1.2 inches). They are largely green, although some individuals appear more yellow in color. A black mask wraps around the face with a white band around the top lip. The underside is black with blue speckles. Females tend to be larger, more plump and have a more square snout.

Species Specifics

Physical Characteristics

All frogs require water, but they do not obtain it by drinking. Their permeable skin allows them to absorb water cutaneously. An amphibian's ability to change color depends on many factors such as light, temperature, humidity, season, diet, and mood.

Ecology

Habitat

In ropical rainforests near shallow pools and ponds.

Distribution

Restricted to extreme northern Madagascar and most well-known from Montagne des Fran�ais. They inhabit dry lowland forest, especially around streambeds. They are found at elevations of 50 - 300 m above sea level.

Diet

Insectivore (primarily.) Eats termites, ants, fruit flies, and other small arthropods. Also eats soft fallen fruits.

Ecological Web

Insectivore. Primary consumer. Avid diurnal predator (hunts primarily insects).

Activity and Behavior

Activity Pattern

Diurnal. Spends most of its day hunting for food.

Behavior

Social Behavior

Adult mantellas live in small colonies scattered throughout southeastern Madagascar, with an average of two males for every one female. During the spring breeding season males claim and protect territories, calling out to the females with a series of short, very rapid clicks. If another male mantella wanders into guarded territory, the owner wrestles with him and pushes him back out.

Reproductive Behavior

Males attract females by calling out very short notes that are composed of two even shorter clicks. Between 15 and 60 greenish-yellow eggs are laid in cavities under rocks and in the trunks of dead trees. The little ones hatch into tadpoles during heavy rainfall, which washes them into small pools of water nearby. The tadpoles eat algae and grow to a size of 28 mm. They undergo metamorphosis into their adult form after 45-65 days.

Offspring

A female mantella waits until the first big rainstorm of the season and then deposits her eggs in damp leaf litter or a short tunnel she has dug. The climbing mantella female climbs in trees and deposits her eggs in tree holes. Male mantellas then tend to the eggs until hatching. The eggs hatch into tiny tadpoles a few days later.

Conservation

Status

Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by IUCN due to habitat loss and pollution.

Historical

Current Threats

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