MADAGASCAN POISONOUS FROGS

Mantella pulchra

Family: Mantellidae Genus: Mantella Species: pulchra Common Names Parker’s Golden Frog Countries Madagascar
	Species Distribution Map

Taxonomy and Biology

Adult length: 21mm

Description

Dorsal surface colour is dark brown to black, usually paler on the head with an even paler brown rostral stripe. Head laterally is black. There is no labial line. Upper surface of tibia, tarsus and lower arm is brown with orange areas on the tibia and fibula bordered with bright red. Flanks have large yellow, green or blue patches that usually extend onto the upper arm and upper thigh. Ventral surface colour is dark brown to black with pale bluish spotting, an orange or red spot on the concealed part of the calf and thigh, some red spotting on the body and often a broad, pale, semicircular band on the lower lip. Palms and soles are usually black.

Habitat

Tropical montane forest at elevations of about 900 metres.

Habits

Diurnal and terrestrial frog.

Prey

Feeds mainly on ants and termites.

Poison Activity

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