Mantellidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mantellidae |
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| Mantella aurantiaca | |
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Mantellidae
Laurent, 1946
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Boophinae |
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| Distribution of Mantellidae (in black) | |
Mantellidae is a group of frogs, also known as a family in the animal kingdom. These special frogs are found only on the island of Madagascar and the nearby island of Mayotte.
These frogs are quite diverse, meaning they look and act very differently from each other. Some live on land, while others prefer to live in trees. Their size can vary a lot too, from tiny frogs about 3 centimetres long to larger ones up to 10 centimetres.
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Meet the Mantella Frogs
One interesting group within the Mantellidae family is the Mantella genus. These frogs share many similarities with the famous poison dart frogs found in South America.
Bright Colors and Warnings
Mantella frogs are often small and have very bright, eye-catching colors. These colors are a warning sign to predators, telling them, "Stay away! I'm poisonous!" This is called aposematic coloration.
Poisonous Skin
Just like poison dart frogs, Mantella frogs can produce special chemicals called alkaloid toxins from their skin. These toxins can make predators sick if they try to eat the frog. It's their way of protecting themselves in the wild.
Mantellidae as Pets
Because of their beautiful and vibrant colors, some types of Mantellidae frogs are kept as pets. However, it's important to remember that many of them are poisonous and need special care.
See also
In Spanish: Mantélidos para niños
