Malagasy painted mantella
A species of Golden frogs, Also known as Madagascan mantella Scientific name : Mantella madagascariensis Genus : Golden frogs
Malagasy painted mantella, A species of Golden frogs
Also known as:
Madagascan mantella
Scientific name: Mantella madagascariensis
Genus: Golden frogs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Derrick Coetzee , used under CC0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Malagasy Painted Mantella (Mantella madagascariensis) is a species of frog in the Mantellidae family. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss. It may be threatened by commercial collection.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Malagasy painted mantella primarily feeds on small invertebrates, especially ants and termites. It possesses a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, remaining stationary until unsuspecting prey approach within striking distance.
Appearance
Malagasy painted mantella is a small, stout frog with smooth skin. The frog has a striking coloration, varying from bright green to yellow, often speckled with black or brown dots. These colors serve as a warning to predators of its poisonous nature. There's typically no significant appearance difference between genders or age groups. Despite its petite size, the frog's vibrant colors make it highly noticeable.
Behavior
Malagasy painted mantella is a diurnal species, active during the day in its leaf-littered rainforest environment. Its behavior is characterized by complex vocalizations for communication and mate attraction. The males are territorial and use their calls to delineate space and ward off competitors. Unlike other amphibian species, malagasy painted mantella does not have a tadpole stage, with eggs directly developing into miniatures of the adult form within their leaflitter habitat.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Derrick Coetzee , used under CC0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
Mantellidae Genus
Golden frogs Species
Malagasy painted mantella