Kingdom Animalia Order Anura Genus Mantella Higher classification Mantella | Phylum Chordata Family Mantellidae Scientific name Mantella viridis Rank Species | |
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Similar Mantella, Frog, Brown mantella, Amphibians, Blue‑legged mantella | ||
The Green Mantella (Mantella viridis) is a species of frog in the Mantellidae family. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, rivers, intermittent rivers, and heavily degraded former forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
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Description
The green mantella is a small frog. Males are 22−25 mm, females 25−30 mm. The species is common in the pet trade as a vivarium species. Some of the frogs appear more yellow in color. Its face is black with a white band around the top lip. The underside of the frog is black with blue speckles. The female species is predominantly larger with a more square snout. They are critically endangered because of the loss of habitat and over-collection for pet trade.
Habitat
Green mantella live in extreme northern Madagascar and thrive in dry lowland forest at elevations between 50 and 300 meters above sea level.
Diet
They eat small insects like ants and fruit flies. They also eat soft fruit. Green mantella require water, as most frogs do, but do not get it by drinking. Their permeable skin allows them to absorb the water.