Blue-legged mantella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue-legged mantella |
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The blue-legged mantella (Mantella expectata) is a tiny, colorful frog. It belongs to the Mantellidae family. This special frog lives only in Madagascar, mainly in and around Isalo National Park. It shares its home with another unique frog, the rainbow frog. Both frogs are found in many places there. However, they are also endangered. This is because their natural homes are disappearing. Also, too many are collected for the pet trade.
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Life and Home of the Blue-Legged Mantella
The blue-legged mantella is active during the day. It likes sunny places. You can often find it near temporary rocky streams. It also lives inside rocky canyons. These frogs are part of a group called the M. betsileo species group.
When Do They Have Babies?
The blue-legged mantella's breeding season is from September to December. Female frogs lay their eggs in special spots. They might hang them on canyon walls. Or, they lay them hidden under rocks. When it rains, water floods these areas. The eggs then finish growing in temporary pools of water.
How Long Do They Live?
These frogs usually do not live very long. Most blue-legged mantellas live for about three years.
What Does the Blue-Legged Mantella Look Like?
The blue-legged mantella is a small frog. It measures about 2 to 3 centimeters (1 inch) from its snout to its bottom. It has very bright, eye-catching colors. These colors are a warning sign! They tell other animals that the frog has special chemicals in its skin. These chemicals are called alkaloid toxins. They can make predators sick.
Its Unique Colors
The back and top of the frog's head are bright yellow. Its legs are a striking blue. The sides of its body and head are black. The frog's belly is black with blue spots.
Color Differences in Frogs
Not all blue-legged mantellas look exactly the same. Some have darker or grayer legs. In the far north of their home, some have a reddish lower back. This red color stands out against their yellow upper back and head. Frogs with red lower backs and gray legs are sometimes called "blushing mantellas" or "sunrise mantellas."
In the southern part of their home, some frogs have brown on their legs. They look a bit like the brown mantella (M. betsileo). Scientists are still studying these frogs. They are trying to figure out if they are a mix of different species.
How to Tell Boys from Girls
It's possible to tell if a blue-legged mantella is a boy or a girl.
- Girls are usually a bit bigger than boys.
- Boy frogs have a blue, horseshoe-shaped spot on their lower jaw.
- Only boy frogs make special sounds.
