Main Characteristics

Golden Mantellas are small frogs, only growing between 2 and 3 cms (0.75 - 1.25 inches) long. As their name suggests they are a bright golden colour, males being slightly paler than females.

This bright colouration is very similar to poison dart frogs who use their colour to warn predators that they are poisonous however, Golden Mantellas are non toxic. Occasionally they have red colouration on the inside of their thighs and their eyes are coloured black.

They have short legs with non webbed feet and they have adhesive discs on their finger and toes.

Habitat

Golden Mantellas can be found in the rain forests of western central Madagascar. They are active during the day and they spend their time on the forest floor.

Diet

Their diet consists of small insects, mainly termites, ants and fruit flies.

Breeding

During the breeding season males will call out to females from a concealed position near water. The call will be 3 clicks that is repeated many times.

Females will lay 12 - 30 eggs on moist land adjacent to water. After 2 - 6 days the tadpoles will hatch and either wriggle to or get washed into the water.

The tadpoles eat algae and detritus and after 6 - 8 weeks they metamorphose into frogs.

Predators

The main predators of Golden Mantellas are small mammals, snakes and birds although their bright colouration is very effective in warning them away.

Interesting Facts