I was not aware that the helix pattern wasn't exclusive to the M.B. line as most of the photos that I have seen of the other Mantella species have not shown it but those photos may not be truely representative of the typical specimens found within any particular species.

Regarding the documentation - I am trying although outside of the info that Understory has kindly provided me with I can only guess as Mirdo is the key factor. They provided the local petshop here with the first specimens I got a short while back and originally supplied Understory 9 years back. Hopefully they will provide an answer to the question of location.

I felt the pattern issue is/was important as typically in any creature that consistently demonstrates an obvious and persistent visual key in their offspring it allows for accurate cataloging of where they stand on the tree of life so to speak. The inconsistency of the pattern issue, as well as inconsistency in size & habits, seems to be what is creating some confusion amongst zoologists as to determining the exact breakdown of the Mantella families. I have been reading some interesting material from Vence and Glaw that demonstrates the challenge of pinning down these little creatures to a specific model, unlike other PDFs or PDF like species who are rather clear cut as to where they belong. So far I am developing the opinion that it may be possibly that a few of these mantella families are actually the same family but with color / pattern morphs that seem to be regionally based with the periodic and random demonstration in offspring of recessive flashbacks (ie patterns have the helix pattern but 1/3 of the near born clutch don't but then later their offspring has the pattern back, etc).

I have to admit that prior to getting into the study of amphibians I had no clue there was so many interesting things to study. These little critters have expanded my appreciation of life, the natural world that we should be sharing with them, and our responsibilities as stewards of this planet.