Golden Mantella
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| iGolden Mantella | ||||||||||||||||||
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Conservation status: Critical
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| Mantella aurantiaca (Mocquard, 1900) |
The Golden Mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) is a small, terrestrial frog native to Madagascar.
[edit] Physical description
As suggested by the name, the Golden Mantella has a yellow/gold dorsal surface. The ventral surface is yellow in females, and a lighter yellow in the males. The inside of the thigh occasionally exhibits bright red colouring. These frogs are small, reaching a size of 2.5 centimetres (1 in) in length. The tympanum is visible, but small.
[edit] Ecology and behavior
The Golden Mantellas do not have a particular mating season; they will mate after rain and if enough food is available. The males will call in a concealed position near a water source. The call is a series of three clicks, repeated many times. Once the females is amplexed, they will move towards a suitable area, and lay eggs. They lay eggs on moist land, and the tadpoles are washed into water once they hatch.
The Golden Mantella is a small frog, and as such, is restricted to a diet of small invertebrates.
[edit] References
- Golden Mantella. Retrieved on 2006-06-04.
