MADAGASCAN POISONOUS FROGS

Mantella cowani

Family: Mantellidae Genus: Mantella Species: cowani Common Names Cowan’s Mantella , Black Golden Frog Countries Madagascar
	Species Distribution Map

Taxonomy and Biology

Adult length: 22mm

Description

Dorsal head and body surface and flank colour is black. Pale labial line is absent and sometimes a small pale spot is present beneath the eye. A bright, usually red ( sometimes yellow or orange ) area is present around the junction of the arms and legs and two bright orange to red bands on the tibia and tarsus ( sometimes containing a few black spots ). Remainder of legs arms are black with or without some small pale blue markings. Fingers and toes are black. Palms and soles are black. Ventral body surface colour is black usually with large pale blue spots. Pale labial line and canthal line is lacking. Throat is black usually with a single pale spot.

Habitat

Tropical rainforest at low elevations.

Habits

Diurnal and terrestrial frog.

Prey

Feeds mainly on ants and termites.

Poison Activity

Poison Type: Pumiliotoxins