Painted Mantella

[Pirarucu]

I was hoping someone on here would be able to give me a more positive identification on this little girl(?). I purchased her as simply a "Painted Mantella", the seller got her in on accident with a shipment of dart frogs, and was unaware they had her until she was found six months later hiding in a leucomelas cage. I currently am leaning towards saying she is a madagascariensis due to the markings on her lower jaw, but I'd like to hear from some people who are more experienced in differentiating between madagascariensis and baroni.

[deranged chipmunk]

Can you get a more clearer pic of her chin? Or her eye?


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Pirarucu]

Can you get a more clearer pic of her chin? Or her eye?

I'd rather not disturb her any more. The chin has the horseshoe mark characteristic of madagascariensis, and no other markings. The iris is brown, not black, also indicating madagascariensis.

However someone elsewhere suggested that it is neither, and is actually a pulchra. The brown legs have me thinking he's right.

[TKexotics]

Based on the brown front legs we believe it's indeed Mantella pulchra, since as far as we know neither madagascariensis or baroni has these, however better pictures would help giving a more definitive id.

Regardless what species it is, it's an awesome frog.

[Pirarucu]

To give a brief update, due to the orange flashmarks on the legs it has been determined she is most likely M. madagascariensis. Although brown legs are uncommon in the species, I have been able to find a few examples that also had them.

[MantellaGuy]

Like I said on Facebook a short while ago, this does resemble Mantella madgascarensis. However, I think this may actually be a hybrid specimen, especially considering this is more than likely a WC individual anyway.

This could well be a Mantella pulchra x madagascarensis/baroni hybrid in my opinion... It is entirely possible and new colourations and confer species are found all the time out in Madagascar.

Without DNA and genetic testing, I don't think you'll know for sure! But I can definitely say that this is crtainly and most definitely not, Mantella pulchra (pictured below). It doesn't share any of the same colourations, especially on the front of the snout which your individual has markings on, except for the limbs that have a slight colouration.



I would be very dubious about putting this with other individuals, if this is indeed a hybrid specimen which it could be completely possible, then it could muck up potential bloodlines.

[deranged chipmunk]

I saw that post with the brown on the front legs, I would say m. Pulchra. They are a bit more mottled in color than the baroni or mad.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela