# Climbing Mantella (*Mantella laevigata Methuen &*)

The Climbing Mantella is a colorful frog that loves to hop around in trees. It has bright colors that help it stay safe from predators.

- **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Rainforests

![Climbing Mantella](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424625/objects/5742.jpg)

## Appearance

The Climbing Mantella has remarkably smooth, often bright yellow, orange, or green skin, sometimes adorned with black markings. Its slender body and prominent eyes give it a distinct appearance compared to other small rainforest frogs.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Amphibia
- **Order:** Anura
- **Family:** Mantellidae
- **Genus:** Mantella

## Interesting facts

- Some Mantellas are believed to communicate using calls and even a type of arm-waving!
- Their tadpoles grow up in small puddles found inside tree holes or bamboo stems!
- These tiny frogs lay eggs on leaves above water, letting their tadpoles splash down when ready!
- When threatened, they can sometimes 'play dead' to trick predators into leaving them alone!

## Special abilities

- **Sticky Climber:** Climbing Mantella has specialized toe pads that help them grip onto smooth, wet leaves and bark, even upside down.
- **Living Warning Label:** Climbing Mantella has brilliant, contrasting colors that warn predators it is toxic, thanks to its insect diet.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 2-2.8 cm
- **Weight:** 0.001-0.002 kg
- **Lifespan:** 3-8 years
- **Clutch Size:** 12-50
- **Metamorphosis:** 45-60 days

## Diet & Feeding

This tiny frog loves to munch on small insects and mites it finds creeping in the rainforest.

- **Age differences:** Tadpoles primarily feed on detritus and algae, while adults switch to a diet of small insects.
- **Primary Foods:** Ants, Mites, Termites, Small Beetles, Fruit Flies
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Goudot's Tree Snake (*Stenophis goudoti*) — This snake preys on the mantella in its natural habitat.
- **Eaten by:** Madagascar Carpenter Ant (*Camponotus hova*) — A primary food source, contributing to the mantella's toxicity.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
- [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.

## Collections

- [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Climbing Mantella?

Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Climbing Mantella?

2-2.8 cm

### How much does Climbing Mantella weigh?

0.001-0.002 kg

### How long does Climbing Mantella live?

3-8 years

### What does Climbing Mantella eat?

This tiny frog loves to munch on small insects and mites it finds creeping in the rainforest.

### Where is Climbing Mantella usually found?

Rainforests

### How does Climbing Mantella hunt?

Foraging

### How many eggs does Climbing Mantella lay?

12-50

## More Amphibians

- [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*)
- [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*)
- [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*)
- [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*)

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Source: [Climbing Mantella: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/climbing-mantella)