Jump to content

Mantella: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
5,354,259 edits
Removed parameters. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | #UCB_CommandLine
 
(17 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 11: Line 11:
}}
}}


'''''Mantella''''' (also known as '''golden frogs''' or '''Malagasy poison frogs''') are a prominent genus of [[Aposematism|aposematic]] [[frog]]s in the family [[Mantellidae]], [[Endemism|endemic]] to the island of [[Madagascar]].<ref name=Frost/> The members of the genus are [[Diurnality|diurnal]] and [[Terrestrial animal|terrestrial]] in behaviour, exhibiting bright colouration or cryptic markings which are species specific.
'''''Mantella''''' (also known as '''golden frogs''' or '''Malagasy poison frogs''') are a prominent genus of [[Aposematism|aposematic]] [[frog]]s in the family [[Mantellidae]], [[Endemism|endemic]] to the island of [[Madagascar]].<ref name=Frost/> Members of ''Mantella'' are [[Diurnality|diurnal]] and [[Terrestrial animal|terrestrial]], with bright aposematic coloration or cryptic markings.


== Natural history ==
== Natural history ==
''Mantella'' are an example of [[convergent evolution]]—the independent evolution of a similar trait with species of a different lineage. In this, they are similar to the family [[Dendrobatidae]] from Latin America in size, appearance and also some aspects of their behaviour. However, they are in no means related to the famous neotropical family. During the early description of the first specimens from 1866 to 1872, [[Alfred Grandidier]] described both the [[Mantella betsileo|brown mantella]] (''Mantella betsileo'') and [[Mantella madagascariensis|Malagasy mantella]] (''Mantella madagascariensis'') and placed them within the genus ''[[Dendrobates]]'', based upon their close resemblance to them. Of course, the placement of these new species was ambiguous and heavily debated until in 1882, [[George Albert Boulenger]] created the genus ''Mantella'' after describing both [[Cowan's mantella]] (''Mantella cowanii'') and later in 1888 [[Mantella baroni|Baron's mantella]] (''Mantella baroni''). The species was named by Boulenger after the gentleman that collected the specimens, [[Richard Baron (botanist)|Rev. Richard Baron]] who was a [[missionary]] and [[botanist]] living in Madagascar. Baron was also interested in geology and [[herpetology]], collecting many specimens upon his extensive expeditions across the country. This species of course, is incredibly similar in colouration to ''Mantella madagascariensis'' with exception to the ventral/underside markings. In 1889 after the description of ''Mantella baroni'', a [[France|French]] [[naturalist]] called [[Alexandre Thominot]] described a species he named as ''[[Mantella baroni|Phrynomantis maculatus]]'' and stated the type locality of the species was upon the [[Réunion|Réunion Island]]. However, not only is this highly dubious but later this locality was corrected to the off-shore Malagasy islands of [[Nosy Be|Nosy Bé]] and [[Nosy Komba]]. Furthermore, ''Phrynomantis maculatus'' was to be synonymised with ''Mantella baroni''.
''Mantella'' are an example of [[convergent evolution]]—the independent evolution of a similar trait with species of a different lineage—with the [[Latin America|Latin American]] family [[Dendrobatidae]] in size, appearance, and some behavioral characteristics. During the description of the first specimens from 1866 to 1872, [[Alfred Grandidier]] described both the [[Mantella betsileo|brown mantella]] (''Mantella betsileo'') and [[Mantella madagascariensis|Malagasy mantella]] (''Mantella madagascariensis'') and placed them within the genus ''[[Dendrobates]]'' based on their close resemblance.


This placement was heavily debated until 1882, when [[George Albert Boulenger]] created the genus ''Mantella'' after describing both [[Cowan's mantella]] (''Mantella cowanii'') and, in 1888, [[Mantella baroni|Baron's mantella]] (''Mantella baroni''). ''M. baroni'' was named after the gentleman that collected the specimens, [[Richard Baron (botanist)|Rev. Richard Baron]], a [[missionary]] and [[botanist]] living in Madagascar. Baron was also interested in geology and [[herpetology]], collecting many specimens during his extensive expeditions across the country. This species is incredibly similar in coloration to ''M. madagascariensis,'' except for the ventral/underside markings. In 1889, after the description of ''M. baroni'', [[France|French]] [[naturalist]] [[Alexandre Thominot]] described ''Phrynomantis maculatus'', with its type locality on [[Réunion|Réunion Island]]. However, this locality was later corrected to the off-shore Malagasy islands of [[Nosy Be|Nosy Bé]] and [[Nosy Komba]] and ''P. maculatus'' was [[Synonymizing|synonymized]] with ''M. baroni''.
⚫
Unfortunately, the genus was still incorrectly placed within the family ''Dendrobatidae'' and can be found listed in late 19th century publications as a part of the family. The Royal Natural History (1893) by [[Richard Lydekker]] being one such example, writing that the genus ''Mantella'' is one of two genera representing the family and that they can be "''distinguished by the tip of the tongue being notched; while in Dendrobates of Tropical America the tongue is entire.''"<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Royal Natural History Vol. V - Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes |last=Lydekker|first=Richard|publisher=Frederick Warne & Co.|year=1893|pages=271}}</ref>


⚫
The genus remained within Dendrobatidae until the late 19th century. The Royal Natural History (1893) by [[Richard Lydekker]] included the genus ''Mantella'' as one of two genera representing Dendrobatidae, saying that they could be "''distinguished by the tip of the tongue being notched; while in'' Dendrobates ''of Tropical America the tongue is entire.''"<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Royal Natural History Vol. V - Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes |last=Lydekker|first=Richard|publisher=Frederick Warne & Co.|year=1893|pages=271}}</ref>
⚫
During the first quarter of the 20th century, another three species of ''Mantella'' were to be described with the first being the most iconic member of the genus today, the [[golden mantella]] (''Mantella aurantiaca'') which was described by the French herpetologist, [[François Mocquard]] in 1900. In his written works titled ''"Synopsis des familles, genres et espèces des reptiles écailleux et des batraciens de Madagascar''" published in 1909, Mocquard gives a detailed description of ''Mantella'' and the species within the genus. Within the document, six species are described including one unusual description of a species named as ''Mantella attemsi'' in 1901 by [[Franz Werner|Franz Josef Maria Werner]], an [[Austria]]n [[zoologist]] and [[Exploration|explorer]]. The description (translated) of ''Mantella attemsi'' in Mocquard's work describes that the "''First digit extends as far as the second. [Replilatero-dorsal] present, starting at the rear of the upper eyelid. Skin very porous, slightly rough on the back and the head, stomach side smooth; lower back of the legs very rough. Back a dark red-brown, rest of the body black''."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mocquard|first=Francois|date=1909|title=Synopsis des familles, genres et espèces des reptiles écailleux et des batraciens de Madagascar (1909)|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/44423#page/72/mode/1up|journal=Masson|pages=65–67}}</ref> This species was later synonymised with ''Mantella betsileo''.


⚫
During the first quarter of the 20th century, another three species of ''Mantella'' were described, including the [[golden mantella]] (''Mantella aurantiaca''), by the French herpetologist [[François Mocquard]] in 1900. In his work ''"Synopsis des familles, genres et espèces des reptiles écailleux et des batraciens de Madagascar''" published in 1909, Mocquard gave a detailed description of ''Mantella'' and the species within the genus. Within the document, six species are described, including one unusual description of ''Mantella attemsi'', described in 1901 by [[Franz Werner|Franz Josef Maria Werner]], an [[Austria]]n [[zoologist]] and [[Exploration|explorer]]. Mocquard's work describes ''M. attemsi'' as follows: "''First digit extends as far as the second. [Replilatero-dorsal] present, starting at the rear of the upper eyelid. Skin very porous, slightly rough on the back and the head, stomach side smooth; lower back of the legs very rough. Back a dark red-brown, rest of the body black''."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mocquard|first=Francois|date=1909|title=Synopsis des familles, genres et espèces des reptiles écailleux et des batraciens de Madagascar (1909)|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/44423#page/72/mode/1up|journal=Masson|pages=65–67}}</ref> This species was later synonymised with ''M. betsileo''.
⚫
== Description ==
All the species of the genus are considered small frogs in morphology, typically varying in sizes of {{convert|18|-|31|mm|in}}.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar |edition=3 |last=Glaw|first=Frank|last2=Vences|first2=Miguel|year=2007|isbn=978-3-929449-03-7|location=Köln|pages=188}}</ref> A common characteristic across most species within the genus is that species are [[Sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]] in size, with female specimens usually being larger than males. ''Mantella'' are often compared to the [[Neotropical realm|neotropical]] family of [[Dendrobatidae]] due to their use of [[aposematism]] (from Greek ἀπό ''apo'' away, σῆμα ''sema'' sign), a defense mechanism that uses dramatic colourations to deter potential predators. Colourations and markings vary from species to species, with combinations of green, red, orange, yellow, blue, brown, white and black. These colourations are often evidence that the specimen is, to a degree, toxic with pharmacologically active [[alkaloid]] secretions. There are of course, huge similarities between a few species of ''Mantella'' and ''Dendrobatidae'' when it comes to colouration, the most notable being between the [[golden mantella]] (''Mantella aurantiaca'') and the [[golden poison frog]] (''Phyllobates terribilis'') which clearly is reference to their uniform yellow colouration. Another example being between [[Cowan's mantella]] (''Mantella cowanii'') and certain variations of the [[Harlequin poison frog]] (''Oophaga histrionica).'' Further defense mechanisms can be witnessed in the Malagasy poison frogs. These frogs show a variety in alkaloid profiles between individual ''Mantella'' frogs of the Ranomafana region, but what is interesting is that these same alkaloids have been found to be sequestered by certain insects [9]. It has also been observed that ''Mantella'' retain alkaloids in their skin for years in captivity. This suggest that some arthropod sources for alkaloids are rare prey items for these frogs, which can be evident to the ''Mantella'' stomach content and their overall diet [9].


⚫
== Description ==
Species of this genus are small, varying in length between {{convert|18|-|31|mm|in}}.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar |edition=3 |last1=Glaw|first1=Frank|last2=Vences|first2=Miguel|year=2007|isbn=978-3-929449-03-7|location=Köln|pages=188}}</ref> Most ''Mantella'' species are [[Sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]] in size, with females being larger than males. ''Mantella'' vary in shape from streamlined to plump/rounded bodies, with skin that is either smooth or granular. They have small, angular heads, with large eyes that are either entirely dark or have lighter coloration around the edge of the iris. ''Mantella'' have a very distinct tympanum. The tips or discs of the fingers are slightly enlarged, though those of the [[climbing mantella]] (''Mantella laevigata'') are distinctly larger than in other members of the genus. They have four fingers on each forelimb and five on each hindlimb; some species have webbed digits, while others do not. The [[Tibiotarsal joint|tibiotarsal]] articulation is roughly between the shoulder and the nostrils.


The use of aposematism continues on to the ventral side of the specimens in most members of the genus, excluding the [[golden mantella]] (''Mantella aurantiaca'') and [[black-eared mantella]] (''Mantella milotympanum''). The venter is normally uniform black, dark grey (in places) or brown depending upon the species in question which are marked with blueish or white spots, flecking or blotches. Regarding the throat pouch, there are similar blueish to white markings in the form of either spots or a continuous horseshoe shaped marking upon it. This, in species such as [[Mantella baroni|Baron's mantella]] (''Mantella baroni'') and the [[Madagascan mantella|Malagasy mantella]] (''Mantella madagascariensis''), can distinguish between the two very similar looking species when not looking at locality data.
Many species of ''Mantella'' are similar to the [[Neotropical realm|neotropical]] family [[Dendrobatidae]] in their use of [[aposematism]] (from [[Greek language|Greek]] ἀπό ''apo'' away, σῆμα ''sema'' sign), a defense mechanism that uses dramatic coloration to deter potential predators. Coloration and markings vary between species, with combinations of green, red, orange, yellow, blue, brown, white and black. These colorations are often evidence that the specimen produces toxic, pharmacologically active [[alkaloid]] secretions. There are significant similarities between a few species of ''Mantella'' and ''Dendrobatidae'', notably the [[golden mantella]] (''Mantella aurantiaca'') and the [[golden poison frog]] (''Phyllobates terribilis''). [[Cowan's mantella]] (''Mantella cowanii'') and certain variations of the [[Harlequin poison frog]] (''Oophaga histrionica'') are also very similar in coloration''.'' Most members of the genus also exhibit aposematism on the [[ventral]] region, excluding the [[golden mantella]] and [[black-eared mantella]] (''Mantella milotympanum''). The venter is normally uniform black, dark grey, or brown and are often marked with blueish or white spots, flecks, or blotches. There are similar blueish to white markings in the form of either spots or a continuous horseshoe-shaped marking on the [[vocal sac]]. These characteristics can be used to distinguish between species, such as [[Mantella baroni|Baron's mantella]] (''Mantella baroni'') and the [[Madagascan mantella|Malagasy mantella]] (''Mantella madagascariensis''), when locality data is unavailable.


''Mantella'' show a variety in [[alkaloid]] profiles between individual frogs of the Ranomafana region. These same alkaloids have been found to be sequestered by certain insects. It has also been observed that ''Mantella'' retain alkaloids in their skin for years in captivity. This, combined with analyses of stomach contents and diet, suggests that members of ''Mantella'' obtain at least some of their alkaloids from arthropod prey.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Clark |first1=V.C. |last2=Rakotomalala |first2=V. |last3=Ramilijaona |first3=O. |last4=Abrell |first4=L. |last5=Fisher |first5=B.L. |date=2006-10-01 |title=Individual Variation in Alkaloid Content of Poison Frogs of Madagascar (Mantella; Mantellidae) |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-006-9144-6 |journal=Journal of Chemical Ecology |volume=32 |issue=10 |pages=2219–2233 |doi=10.1007/s10886-006-9144-6 |pmid=17013661 |s2cid=12171450 |issn=1573-1561}}</ref>
Generally, species of the genus possess, in appearance, a very stream-line to plump/rounded body with skin that is either smooth or has a fine granular appearance to it, this of course is species dependent. They have a small angular head, with large prominent eyes which are either entirely dark in colouration or possessing a lighter colouration around the edge of the iris. Species in the genus have a very distinct tympanum that is the same in male and female specimens in size. The tips or discs of the fingers/digits are slightly enlarged, similar to the family Dendrobatidae, but those of the [[climbing mantella]] (''Mantella laevigata'') are distinctly larger than in other members of the genus ''Mantella''. The fore limbs possess four fingers that are completely devoid of webbing, whilst the hind limbs have five that are devoid of webbing as well. Continuing with the hind limbs, the tibiotarsal articulation roughly reaches between where the forelimb connects to the body to the nostrils.


== Distribution ==
== Distribution ==
[[File:Habitat at Vohimana Experimental Reserve..jpg|thumb|Habitat that beautiful mantella (''Mantella pulchra'') can be found around at Vohimana Experimental Reserve, Madagascar]]
[[File:Habitat at Vohimana Experimental Reserve..jpg|thumb|Habitat that beautiful mantella (''Mantella pulchra'') can be found around at Vohimana Experimental Reserve, Madagascar]]
[[File:Mantellacrocea.jpg|thumb|Bronze variation of yellow mantella (''Mantella crocea'') at the Bakozetra locality, north of the Torotorofotsy Wetlands Reserve]]
[[File:Mantellacrocea.jpg|thumb|Bronze variation of yellow mantella (''Mantella crocea'') at the Bakozetra locality, north of the Torotorofotsy Wetlands Reserve]]
''Mantella'' are endemic to the island of Madagascar and its smaller coastal islands ("Nosy" in [[Malagasy language|Malagasy]]). They inhabit a wide variety of different habitat types including primary [[rainforest]]s, secondary rainforests, [[swamp]]s, [[bamboo forest]]s, semi-arid [[Stream bed|streambeds]], slow moving forest [[stream]]s, seasonal streams, [[Montane ecosystems|montane]] [[grassland]] [[savanna]]h and in wet canyons.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.iucnredlist.org|title=The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species|date=2017|website=The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Mantellas|last=Staniszewski|first=Marc|publisher=Edition Chimaira|year=2001|isbn=978-3930612543}}</ref>
''Mantella'' are endemic to the island of Madagascar and its smaller coastal islands ("Nosy" in [[Malagasy language|Malagasy]]). They inhabit a wide variety of different habitat types including primary [[rainforest]]s, secondary rainforests, [[swamp]]s, [[bamboo forest]]s, semi-arid [[Stream bed|streambeds]], slow moving forest [[stream]]s, seasonal streams, [[Montane ecosystems|montane]] [[grassland]] [[savanna]]h, and wet canyons.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.iucnredlist.org|title=The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species|date=2017|website=The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Mantellas|last=Staniszewski|first=Marc|publisher=Edition Chimaira|year=2001|isbn=978-3930612543}}</ref>


However, some members of the genus such as Ebenau's mantella (''Mantella ebenaui''), brown mantella (''Mantella betsileo'') and Cowan's mantella (''Mantella cowanii'') are highly adaptable and have been recorded being found in unusual places. Upon the island of [[Île Sainte-Marie|Nosy Boraha]] (Sainte Marie), specimens of ''Mantella ebenaui'' have been found living upon dumps of rubbish feeding upon flies. The same has been apparently recorded in the western parts of Madagascar with specimens of ''Mantella betsileo'' inhabiting rubbish piles behind human living accommodations.
Some members of the genus such as [[Mantella ebenaui|Ebenau's mantella]] (''Mantella ebenaui''), the [[brown mantella]] (''Mantella betsileo''), and [[Cowan's mantella]] (''Mantella cowanii'') are highly adaptable and have been reported in a wide variety of habitats. On the island of [[Île Sainte-Marie|Nosy Boraha]] (Sainte Marie), ''M. ebenaui'' have been found living in garbage dumps, feeding on flies. Similar behavior has been reported in western Madagascar, with ''M. betsileo'' inhabiting rubbish piles behind human dwellings.


=== Locality variations ===
=== Locality variations ===
There are several populations of ''Mantella'' species that exhibit more unusual colourations, some of which being intermediates between species living in [[sympatry]]. For example, there are populations of [[yellow mantella]] (''Mantella crocea'') and [[black-eared mantella]] (''Mantella milotympanum'') from [[Fierenana, Moramanga|Fierenana]], Andriabe, [[Ambohitantely Reserve|Ambohitantely]] Reserve and Savakoanina that have green, red and yellow colourations. Due to this, reliability of distinguishing the two species is therefore not possible.<ref>{{Cite book|title=A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar |edition=3 |last=Glaw|first=Frank|last2=Vences|first2=Miguel|year=2007|isbn=978-3-929449-03-7 |location=Köln|pages=198}}</ref>
There are several populations of ''Mantella'' species that exhibit unusual coloration, some of which are intermediates between species living in [[sympatry]]. For example, there are populations of [[yellow mantella]] (''Mantella crocea'') and [[black-eared mantella]] (''Mantella milotympanum'') found in [[Fierenana, Moramanga|Fierenana]], Andriabe, [[Ambohitantely Reserve|Ambohitantely]] Reserve and Savakoanina that have green, red and yellow colourations. This often makes it difficult to distinguish between the two species.<ref name=":0" />


[[Mantella baroni|Baron's mantella]] (''Mantella baroni'') have also been reported at [[Pic d'Ivohibe Reserve]] being almost entirely green in colouration with black patches and spotting, lacking their distinctive orange and irregular black crossbands. These specimens are normally referred to as Mantella [[aff.]] baroni.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Vences|first=Miguel|last2=Glaw|first2=Frank|last3=Mausfeld|first3=Patrick|last4=Böhme|first4=Wolfgang|date=October 1998|title=Comparative osteology of Malagasy poison frogs of the genus ''Mantella'' |url=http://zoologicalbulletin.de/BzB_Volumes/Volume_48_2/205_215_BZB48_2_Vences_Miguel_et_al.PDF|journal=Zoological Bulletin|volume=48|pages=206}}</ref>
Populations of [[Mantella baroni|Baron's mantella]] (''Mantella baroni'') have also been reported at [[Pic d'Ivohibe Reserve]], being almost entirely green in coloration with black patches and spotting, and lacking their distinctive orange and irregular black crossbands. These specimens are referred to as ''Mantella [[aff.]] baroni''.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Vences|first1=Miguel|last2=Glaw|first2=Frank|last3=Mausfeld|first3=Patrick|last4=Böhme|first4=Wolfgang|date=October 1998|title=Comparative osteology of Malagasy poison frogs of the genus ''Mantella'' |url=http://zoologicalbulletin.de/BzB_Volumes/Volume_48_2/205_215_BZB48_2_Vences_Miguel_et_al.PDF|journal=Zoological Bulletin|volume=48|pages=206}}</ref>


[[Madagascan mantella|Malagasy mantella]] (''Mantella madagascariensis''), a similar species in appearance to ''Mantella baroni'', is also notably variable in different localities. Niagarakely is one such locality within the [[Anosibe An'ala District]] of the [[Alaotra-Mangoro]] Region, which exhibits a highly broken yellow/green and black mottled dorsal colouration.
[[Madagascan mantella|Malagasy mantella]] (''Mantella madagascariensis''), a species similar in appearance to ''M. baroni'', is also notably variable among different localities. Niagarakely is one such locality within the [[Anosibe An'ala District]] of the [[Alaotra-Mangoro]] Region. Here, ''M. madagascariensis'' exhibit highly broken yellow/green and mottled black dorsal coloration.


== Species ==
== Species ==
There are currently 16 species that make up the genus of ''Mantella'', with five recognised species groups.<ref name=Frost/><ref name=":0" /> Most of the species can be easily identifiable by their colour patterns, although there are a number of locality variations which have an uncertain taxonomic status.<ref name=":0" />
There are currently 16 species of ''Mantella'', with five recognized species groups.<ref name=Frost/><ref name=":0" /> Most species are easily identifiable by their color patterns, although there are a number of locality variations with an uncertain taxonomic status.<ref name=":0" />


{| class="wikitable collapsible"
{| class="wikitable collapsible"
|-
|-
! Species group
! Subgenus
! Image
! Image
! Binomial (scientific name)
! Binomial (scientific name)
! Common name
! Common name
!IUCN conservation status
! Distribution
! Distribution
|-
|-
Line 57: Line 59:
|''[[Mantella laevigata]]'' {{small|Methuen & Hewitt, 1913}}
|''[[Mantella laevigata]]'' {{small|Methuen & Hewitt, 1913}}
| Climbing mantella
| Climbing mantella
|[[Least-concern species|Least Concern]]
⚫
|Madagascar
|northeastern Madagascar
|-
|-
|
|
|''[[Mantella manery]]'' {{small|Vences, Glaw & Böhme, 1999}}
|''[[Mantella manery]]'' {{small|Vences, Glaw & Böhme, 1999}}
| Marojejy mantella
| Marojejy mantella
|[[Vulnerable species|Vulnerable]]
⚫
|Madagascar
|northern Madagascar
|-
|-
! rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| ''Mantella betsileo'' group
! rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| ''Mantella betsileo'' group
Line 68: Line 72:
|''[[Mantella betsileo]]'' {{small|Grandidier, 1872}}
|''[[Mantella betsileo]]'' {{small|Grandidier, 1872}}
| Brown mantella
| Brown mantella
|Least Concern
⚫
|Madagascar
|western & central Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Mantella ebenaui.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella ebenaui.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella ebenaui]]'' {{small|Boettger, 1880}}
|''[[Mantella ebenaui]]'' {{small|Boettger, 1880}}
| Ebenau's mantella
| Ebenau's mantella
|Least Concern
⚫
|Madagascar
|northeastern Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Mantella expectata07.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella expectata07.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella expectata]]'' {{small|Busse & Böhme, 1992}}
|''[[Mantella expectata]]'' {{small|Busse & Böhme, 1992}}
| Blue-legged mantella
| Blue-legged mantella
|[[Endangered species|Endangered]]
⚫
|Madagascar
|southwestern Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Mantella viridis01.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella viridis01.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella viridis]]'' {{small|Pintak & Böhme, 1988}}
|''[[Mantella viridis]]'' {{small|Pintak & Böhme, 1988}}
| Green mantella
| Green mantella
|Endangered
⚫
|Madagascar
|northern Madagascar
|-
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;"| ''Mantella betsileo'' group
!''Mantella bernhardi'' group
| [[File:Mantella bernhardi 01.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella bernhardi 01.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella bernhardi]]'' {{small|Vences, Glaw, Peyrieras, Böhme & Busse, 1994}}
|''[[Mantella bernhardi]]'' {{small|Vences, Glaw, Peyrieras, Böhme & Busse, 1994}}
| Bernhard's mantella
| Bernhard's mantella
|Vulnerable
⚫
|Madagascar
|southeastern Madagascar
|-
|-
! rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| ''Mantella cowanii'' group
! rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| ''Mantella cowanii'' group
Line 95: Line 104:
|''[[Mantella cowanii]]'' {{small|Boulenger, 1882}}
|''[[Mantella cowanii]]'' {{small|Boulenger, 1882}}
| Cowan's or harlequin mantella
| Cowan's or harlequin mantella
|Endangered
⚫
|Madagascar
⚫
|central Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Variegated golden frog (Mantella baroni) Ranomafana.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Variegated golden frog (Mantella baroni) Ranomafana.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella baroni]]'' {{small|Boulenger, 1888}}
|''[[Mantella baroni]]'' {{small|Boulenger, 1888}}
| Baron's mantella
| Baron's mantella
|Least Concern
⚫
|Madagascar
⚫
|central Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Mantella haraldmeieri.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella haraldmeieri.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella haraldmeieri]]'' {{small|Busse, 1981}}
|''[[Mantella haraldmeieri]]'' {{small|Busse, 1981}}
| Harald Meier's mantella
| Harald Meier's mantella
|Endangered
|Madagascar
|southern Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Mantella nigricans01.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella nigricans01.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella nigricans]]'' {{small|Guibé, 1978}}
|''[[Mantella nigricans]]'' {{small|Guibé, 1978}}
| Guibe's mantella
| Guibe's mantella
|Least Concern
⚫
|Madagascar
|northeastern Madagascar
|-
|-
! rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| ''Mantella aurantiaca'' group
! rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| ''Mantella aurantiaca'' group
Line 116: Line 129:
|''[[Mantella aurantiaca]]'' {{small|Mocquard, 1900}}
|''[[Mantella aurantiaca]]'' {{small|Mocquard, 1900}}
| Golden mantella
| Golden mantella
|Endangered
⚫
|Madagascar
⚫
|central Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Mantella crocea.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella crocea.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella crocea]]'' {{small|Pintak & Böhme, 1990}}
|''[[Mantella crocea]]'' {{small|Pintak & Böhme, 1990}}
| Yellow mantella
| Yellow mantella
|Vulnerable
⚫
|Madagascar
⚫
|central Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Mantella madagascariensis01.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella madagascariensis01.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella madagascariensis]]'' {{small|Grandidier, 1872}}
|''[[Mantella madagascariensis]]'' {{small|Grandidier, 1872}}
| Malagasy mantella
| Malagasy mantella
|Vulnerable
⚫
|Madagascar
⚫
|central Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Mantella milotympanum02.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Mantella milotympanum02.jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella milotympanum]]'' {{small|Staniszewski, 1996}}
|''[[Mantella milotympanum]]'' {{small|Staniszewski, 1996}}
| Black-eared mantella
| Black-eared mantella
|[[Critically Endangered]]
⚫
|Madagascar
⚫
|eastern Madagascar
|-
|-
| [[File:Beautiful Mantella (Mantella pulchra), Vohimana reserve, Madagascar (11986711766).jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Beautiful Mantella (Mantella pulchra), Vohimana reserve, Madagascar (11986711766).jpg|120px]]
|''[[Mantella pulchra]]'' {{small|Parker, 1925}}
|''[[Mantella pulchra]]'' {{small|Parker, 1925}}
| Beautiful mantella
| Beautiful mantella
|[[Near-threatened species|Near Threatened]]
|Madagascar
⚫
|eastern Madagascar
|-
|-
|}
|}


== Threats ==
== Threats ==
[[File:Tavy Fire.jpg|thumb|Slash and Burn (Tavy) farming method being used near the Vohimana Experimental Reserve, Madagascar.]]
[[File:Tavy Fire.jpg|thumb|[[Slash-and-burn]] farming method (known locally as ''[[Deforestation in Madagascar|tavy]]'') being used near the Vohimana Experimental Reserve, Madagascar.]]
Several species in the genus are threatened because of [[habitat loss]] (due to subsistence agriculture, timber extraction and charcoal production, fires, draining of wetlands, the spread of invasive eucalyptus and expanding human settlements), [[mining]], [[Hybridization (biology)|hybridization]] and over-collection for the international pet trade.<ref name=":1" /> As a result of these threats to most of Madagascar's fauna and flora, some are listed as [[least-concern species|least concern]] (LC), [[near-threatened species|near threatened]] (NT), [[vulnerable species|vulnerable]] (VU), [[endangered species|endangered]] (EN) or [[critically endangered]] (CR) by the [[IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]].
Several species in the genus are threatened because of [[habitat loss]] (due to [[subsistence agriculture]], timber extraction and charcoal production, fires, draining of wetlands, the spread of invasive eucalyptus, and expanding human settlements), [[mining]], [[Hybridization (biology)|hybridization]] and over-collection for the international pet trade.<ref name=":1" /> As a result of these threats, various ''Mantella'' sp. are listed as [[least-concern species|least concern]], [[near-threatened species|near threatened]], [[vulnerable species|vulnerable]], [[endangered species|endangered]], and [[critically endangered]] by the [[IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]].


Species in this genus have tested positive for [[Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis|''Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis'' (''Bd'')]]. As of yet, there have been no negative effects observed within amphibian populations in Madagascar, suggesting that the ''Bd'' strain has a low virulence level but should be closely monitored.
Species in this genus have tested positive for [[Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis|''Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis'' (''Bd'')]]. As of yet, there have been no negative effects observed within amphibian populations in Madagascar, suggesting that the ''Bd'' strain has a low virulence level but should be closely monitored.<ref name=":1" />


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
Line 159: Line 177:
<ref name=Frost>{{cite web |url=http://research.amnh.org/vz/herpetology/amphibia/Amphibia/Anura/Mantellidae/Mantellinae/Mantella |title=''Mantella'' Boulenger, 1882 |author=Frost, Darrel R. |year=2017 |work=Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0 |publisher=American Museum of Natural History |access-date=6 January 2018}}</ref>
<ref name=Frost>{{cite web |url=http://research.amnh.org/vz/herpetology/amphibia/Amphibia/Anura/Mantellidae/Mantellinae/Mantella |title=''Mantella'' Boulenger, 1882 |author=Frost, Darrel R. |year=2017 |work=Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0 |publisher=American Museum of Natural History |access-date=6 January 2018}}</ref>
}}
}}

9.^ <ref> Clark, V.C. (2005, July 1). Convergent evolution of chemical defense in poison frogs and arthropod prey between Madagascar and the Neotropics | https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/102/33/11617.full.pdf.<ref>


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{cite journal |last1=Clark |first1=Valerie C. |last2=Raxworthy |first2=Christopher J. |last3=Rakotomalala |first3=Valérie |last4=Sierwald |first4=Petra |last5=Fisher |first5=Brian L. |title=Convergent evolution of chemical defense in poison frogs and arthropod prey between Madagascar and the Neotropics |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |date=16 August 2005 |volume=102 |issue=33 |pages=11617–11622 |doi=10.1073/pnas.0503502102 |pmid=16087888 |pmc=1187980 |bibcode=2005PNAS..10211617C |doi-access=free }}
* {{aut|AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation.}} [web application]. 2008. Berkeley, California: [http://amphibiaweb.org/cgi-bin/amphib_query?query_src=aw_lists_genera_&table=amphib&where-genus=Mantella&where-species= ''Mantella'']. AmphibiaWeb, available at http://amphibiaweb.org/. (Accessed: June 8, 2008).
* {{aut|AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation.}} [web application]. 2008. Berkeley, California: [http://amphibiaweb.org/cgi-bin/amphib_query?query_src=aw_lists_genera_&table=amphib&where-genus=Mantella&where-species= ''Mantella'']. AmphibiaWeb, available at http://amphibiaweb.org/. (Accessed: June 8, 2008).
* {{aut|eol - Encyclopedia of Life}} taxon [https://web.archive.org/web/20081023152914/http://www.eol.org/taxa/16141138 ''Mantella''] at http://www.eol.org.
* {{aut|eol - Encyclopedia of Life}} taxon [https://web.archive.org/web/20081023152914/http://www.eol.org/taxa/16141138 ''Mantella''] at http://www.eol.org.
Line 169: Line 186:
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070823043059/http://www.mantella-conservation.org/ ''Mantella'' Conservation]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070823043059/http://www.mantella-conservation.org/ ''Mantella'' Conservation]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928155421/http://mantella.amphibiancare.com/ Poison Frogs of Madagascar: ''Mantella'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928155421/http://mantella.amphibiancare.com/ Poison Frogs of Madagascar: ''Mantella'']
*Vences, M.; Glaw, F.; Böhme, W. (1999). "[http://www.zsm.mwn.de/docs_zsm/htdocs/her/pdf/70_Vences_et_al_1999_Mantella_revision_ALYTES.pdf A review of the genus Mantella (Anura, Ranidae, Mantellinae): taxonomy, distribution and conservation of Malagasy poison frogs]" (PDF). ''Alytes''. '''17''' (1–2): 3–72.


{{Taxonbar |from=Q1627754}}
{{Taxonbar |from=Q1627754}}

Latest revision as of 10:53, 2 November 2024

Mantella
Golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) from the Ramsar Menalamba site, Torotorofotsy Wetlands Reserve.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Mantellidae
Subfamily: Mantellinae
Genus: Mantella
Boulenger, 1882
Type species
Dendrobates betsileo
Diversity
16 species

Mantella (also known as golden frogs or Malagasy poison frogs) are a prominent genus of aposematic frogs in the family Mantellidae, endemic to the island of Madagascar.[1] Members of Mantella are diurnal and terrestrial, with bright aposematic coloration or cryptic markings.

Natural history

[edit]

Mantella are an example of convergent evolution—the independent evolution of a similar trait with species of a different lineage—with the Latin American family Dendrobatidae in size, appearance, and some behavioral characteristics. During the description of the first specimens from 1866 to 1872, Alfred Grandidier described both the brown mantella (Mantella betsileo) and Malagasy mantella (Mantella madagascariensis) and placed them within the genus Dendrobates based on their close resemblance.

This placement was heavily debated until 1882, when George Albert Boulenger created the genus Mantella after describing both Cowan's mantella (Mantella cowanii) and, in 1888, Baron's mantella (Mantella baroni). M. baroni was named after the gentleman that collected the specimens, Rev. Richard Baron, a missionary and botanist living in Madagascar. Baron was also interested in geology and herpetology, collecting many specimens during his extensive expeditions across the country. This species is incredibly similar in coloration to M. madagascariensis, except for the ventral/underside markings. In 1889, after the description of M. baroni, French naturalist Alexandre Thominot described Phrynomantis maculatus, with its type locality on Réunion Island. However, this locality was later corrected to the off-shore Malagasy islands of Nosy Bé and Nosy Komba and P. maculatus was synonymized with M. baroni.

The genus remained within Dendrobatidae until the late 19th century. The Royal Natural History (1893) by Richard Lydekker included the genus Mantella as one of two genera representing Dendrobatidae, saying that they could be "distinguished by the tip of the tongue being notched; while in Dendrobates of Tropical America the tongue is entire."[2]

During the first quarter of the 20th century, another three species of Mantella were described, including the golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca), by the French herpetologist François Mocquard in 1900. In his work "Synopsis des familles, genres et espèces des reptiles écailleux et des batraciens de Madagascar" published in 1909, Mocquard gave a detailed description of Mantella and the species within the genus. Within the document, six species are described, including one unusual description of Mantella attemsi, described in 1901 by Franz Josef Maria Werner, an Austrian zoologist and explorer. Mocquard's work describes M. attemsi as follows: "First digit extends as far as the second. [Replilatero-dorsal] present, starting at the rear of the upper eyelid. Skin very porous, slightly rough on the back and the head, stomach side smooth; lower back of the legs very rough. Back a dark red-brown, rest of the body black."[3] This species was later synonymised with M. betsileo.

Description

[edit]

Species of this genus are small, varying in length between 18–31 millimetres (0.71–1.22 in).[4] Most Mantella species are sexually dimorphic in size, with females being larger than males. Mantella vary in shape from streamlined to plump/rounded bodies, with skin that is either smooth or granular. They have small, angular heads, with large eyes that are either entirely dark or have lighter coloration around the edge of the iris. Mantella have a very distinct tympanum. The tips or discs of the fingers are slightly enlarged, though those of the climbing mantella (Mantella laevigata) are distinctly larger than in other members of the genus. They have four fingers on each forelimb and five on each hindlimb; some species have webbed digits, while others do not. The tibiotarsal articulation is roughly between the shoulder and the nostrils.

Many species of Mantella are similar to the neotropical family Dendrobatidae in their use of aposematism (from Greek ἀπό apo away, σῆμα sema sign), a defense mechanism that uses dramatic coloration to deter potential predators. Coloration and markings vary between species, with combinations of green, red, orange, yellow, blue, brown, white and black. These colorations are often evidence that the specimen produces toxic, pharmacologically active alkaloid secretions. There are significant similarities between a few species of Mantella and Dendrobatidae, notably the golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) and the golden poison frog (Phyllobates terribilis). Cowan's mantella (Mantella cowanii) and certain variations of the Harlequin poison frog (Oophaga histrionica) are also very similar in coloration. Most members of the genus also exhibit aposematism on the ventral region, excluding the golden mantella and black-eared mantella (Mantella milotympanum). The venter is normally uniform black, dark grey, or brown and are often marked with blueish or white spots, flecks, or blotches. There are similar blueish to white markings in the form of either spots or a continuous horseshoe-shaped marking on the vocal sac. These characteristics can be used to distinguish between species, such as Baron's mantella (Mantella baroni) and the Malagasy mantella (Mantella madagascariensis), when locality data is unavailable.

Mantella show a variety in alkaloid profiles between individual frogs of the Ranomafana region. These same alkaloids have been found to be sequestered by certain insects. It has also been observed that Mantella retain alkaloids in their skin for years in captivity. This, combined with analyses of stomach contents and diet, suggests that members of Mantella obtain at least some of their alkaloids from arthropod prey.[5]

Distribution

[edit]
Habitat that beautiful mantella (Mantella pulchra) can be found around at Vohimana Experimental Reserve, Madagascar
Bronze variation of yellow mantella (Mantella crocea) at the Bakozetra locality, north of the Torotorofotsy Wetlands Reserve

Mantella are endemic to the island of Madagascar and its smaller coastal islands ("Nosy" in Malagasy). They inhabit a wide variety of different habitat types including primary rainforests, secondary rainforests, swamps, bamboo forests, semi-arid streambeds, slow moving forest streams, seasonal streams, montane grassland savannah, and wet canyons.[4][6][7]

Some members of the genus such as Ebenau's mantella (Mantella ebenaui), the brown mantella (Mantella betsileo), and Cowan's mantella (Mantella cowanii) are highly adaptable and have been reported in a wide variety of habitats. On the island of Nosy Boraha (Sainte Marie), M. ebenaui have been found living in garbage dumps, feeding on flies. Similar behavior has been reported in western Madagascar, with M. betsileo inhabiting rubbish piles behind human dwellings.

Locality variations

[edit]

There are several populations of Mantella species that exhibit unusual coloration, some of which are intermediates between species living in sympatry. For example, there are populations of yellow mantella (Mantella crocea) and black-eared mantella (Mantella milotympanum) found in Fierenana, Andriabe, Ambohitantely Reserve and Savakoanina that have green, red and yellow colourations. This often makes it difficult to distinguish between the two species.[4]

Populations of Baron's mantella (Mantella baroni) have also been reported at Pic d'Ivohibe Reserve, being almost entirely green in coloration with black patches and spotting, and lacking their distinctive orange and irregular black crossbands. These specimens are referred to as Mantella aff. baroni.[8]

Malagasy mantella (Mantella madagascariensis), a species similar in appearance to M. baroni, is also notably variable among different localities. Niagarakely is one such locality within the Anosibe An'ala District of the Alaotra-Mangoro Region. Here, M. madagascariensis exhibit highly broken yellow/green and mottled black dorsal coloration.

Species

[edit]

There are currently 16 species of Mantella, with five recognized species groups.[1][4] Most species are easily identifiable by their color patterns, although there are a number of locality variations with an uncertain taxonomic status.[4]

Species group Image Binomial (scientific name) Common name IUCN conservation status Distribution
Mantella laevigata group Mantella laevigata Methuen & Hewitt, 1913 Climbing mantella Least Concern northeastern Madagascar
Mantella manery Vences, Glaw & Böhme, 1999 Marojejy mantella Vulnerable northern Madagascar
Mantella betsileo group Mantella betsileo Grandidier, 1872 Brown mantella Least Concern western & central Madagascar
Mantella ebenaui Boettger, 1880 Ebenau's mantella Least Concern northeastern Madagascar
Mantella expectata Busse & Böhme, 1992 Blue-legged mantella Endangered southwestern Madagascar
Mantella viridis Pintak & Böhme, 1988 Green mantella Endangered northern Madagascar
Mantella bernhardi group Mantella bernhardi Vences, Glaw, Peyrieras, Böhme & Busse, 1994 Bernhard's mantella Vulnerable southeastern Madagascar
Mantella cowanii group Mantella cowanii Boulenger, 1882 Cowan's or harlequin mantella Endangered central Madagascar
Mantella baroni Boulenger, 1888 Baron's mantella Least Concern central Madagascar
Mantella haraldmeieri Busse, 1981 Harald Meier's mantella Endangered southern Madagascar
Mantella nigricans Guibé, 1978 Guibe's mantella Least Concern northeastern Madagascar
Mantella aurantiaca group Mantella aurantiaca Mocquard, 1900 Golden mantella Endangered central Madagascar
Mantella crocea Pintak & Böhme, 1990 Yellow mantella Vulnerable central Madagascar
Mantella madagascariensis Grandidier, 1872 Malagasy mantella Vulnerable central Madagascar
Mantella milotympanum Staniszewski, 1996 Black-eared mantella Critically Endangered eastern Madagascar
Mantella pulchra Parker, 1925 Beautiful mantella Near Threatened eastern Madagascar

Threats

[edit]
Slash-and-burn farming method (known locally as tavy) being used near the Vohimana Experimental Reserve, Madagascar.

Several species in the genus are threatened because of habitat loss (due to subsistence agriculture, timber extraction and charcoal production, fires, draining of wetlands, the spread of invasive eucalyptus, and expanding human settlements), mining, hybridization and over-collection for the international pet trade.[6] As a result of these threats, various Mantella sp. are listed as least concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Species in this genus have tested positive for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). As of yet, there have been no negative effects observed within amphibian populations in Madagascar, suggesting that the Bd strain has a low virulence level but should be closely monitored.[6]

[edit]
  • Mantella aurantiaca
    Mantella aurantiaca
  • Mantella baroni
    Mantella baroni
  • Mantella bernhardi
    Mantella bernhardi
  • Mantella cowanii
    Mantella cowanii
  • Mantella expectata
    Mantella expectata

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Frost, Darrel R. (2017). "Mantella Boulenger, 1882". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  2. ^ Lydekker, Richard (1893). The Royal Natural History Vol. V - Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes. Frederick Warne & Co. p. 271.
  3. ^ Mocquard, Francois (1909). "Synopsis des familles, genres et espèces des reptiles écailleux et des batraciens de Madagascar (1909)". Masson: 65–67.
  4. ^ a b c d e Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2007). A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar (3 ed.). Köln. p. 188. ISBN 978-3-929449-03-7.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ Clark, V.C.; Rakotomalala, V.; Ramilijaona, O.; Abrell, L.; Fisher, B.L. (2006-10-01). "Individual Variation in Alkaloid Content of Poison Frogs of Madagascar (Mantella; Mantellidae)". Journal of Chemical Ecology. 32 (10): 2219–2233. doi:10.1007/s10886-006-9144-6. ISSN 1573-1561. PMID 17013661. S2CID 12171450.
  6. ^ a b c "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017.
  7. ^ Staniszewski, Marc (2001). Mantellas. Edition Chimaira. ISBN 978-3930612543.
  8. ^ Vences, Miguel; Glaw, Frank; Mausfeld, Patrick; Böhme, Wolfgang (October 1998). "Comparative osteology of Malagasy poison frogs of the genus Mantella" (PDF). Zoological Bulletin. 48: 206.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Mantella&oldid=1254931264"