MADAGASCAN POISONOUS FROGS

Mantella betsileo

Family: Mantellidae Genus: Mantella Species: betsileo Common Names Brown Mantella , Betsileo Golden Frog Countries Madagascar
	Species Distribution Map

Taxonomy and Biology

Adult length: 20mm

Description

Dorsal head and body surface colour is yellowish brown to orange, tan or pale brown. Flanks are black with or without white or blue reticulation and the border between dorsum and flanks is sharply defined. A white or pale labial line is present on the upper lip and extends to the arm. Ventral surface colour is black with blue spotting often forming a vermiculated appearance, with or without some white to grey speckling. Throat is black with some blue spotting which often forms a semicircular band or a blue line along the lower lip. Legs are grey, greyish brown or brown above with dark brown to black banding on hind legs and often some blue spotting under the hind limbs. Fingers and toes are greyish brown. Palms and soles are usually black.

Habitat

Tropical rainforest at elevations up to about 500 metres.

Habits

Diurnal and terrestrial frog.

Prey

Feeds mainly on ants, termites, small beetles and Drosophila flies.

Poison Activity

Poison Type: Pumiliotoxins, Decahydroquinolines, Pyrrolizidines, Indolizidines, Quinolizidines, Tricyclic Gephyrotoxins