Description: Mantella aurantiaca has introduced many people to mantella frogs. They are uniformly yellow, orange or red in color.   M. aurantiaca has been recorded as growing to 31 mm (1.2 inches) in length, but most individuals stay smaller. Males are more slender in appearance and generally do not grow to be as large as females. Adult male frogs also call. In addition to their smaller size and vocal ability, male M. aurantiaca can be distinguished from females by the presence of femoral pores on the underside of their thighs. These are white and rough-looking in appearance. M. aurantiaca is closely related to M. crocea and M. milotympanum.

Red List Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Distribution and Habitat: Inhabits high altitude (~900 – 1160 m above sea level) swamp forests in east-central Madagascar. As many as nine localities exist, though only one is found in legally protected habitat (Torotorofotsy marsh).Within these swamp forests, Pandanus screw pines serve as calling spots for males, who defend their territory by calling from the leaves of these plants.

Captive Care Notes: Wild-caught M. aurantiaca were common in the North American pet trade until 2004. During this year, all exports were put on hold and remain so currently. Fortunately, M. aurantiaca has proven to be one of the easier species of Mantella to breed in captivity, and captive-bred frogs are often available to hobbyists.

Being both bold and hardy, M. aurantiaca is an excellent species for those interested in keeping mantella frogs for the first time. Males often put on a show for the keeper, bouncing back and forth throughout the terrarium while wrestling each other over territory. Care is fairly straightforward, with M. aurantiaca greedily eating most commonly available feeders, and living well in simple, hygienic setups, as well as more elaborate natural terrariums. They are sensitive to warm temperatures and, like other species of Mantella found at higher altitudes, may succumb to heat stress when exposed to temperatures of 25°C-27°C (77°F-81°F) or above for extended periods of time.

References

Bora, P., R. Dolch, R. Jenkins, O. Jovanovic, F. Rabemananjara, J. Randrianirina, J. Rafanomezantsoa, L. Raharivololoniaina, O. Ramilijaona, N. Raminosoa, R. Randrianavelona, A. Raselimanana, B. Razafimahatratra, T. Razafindraibe, and M. Vences. 2008. Geographic distribution of three species of Malagasy poison frogs of high conservation priority: Mantella aurantiaca, M. crocea and M. milotympanum. Herpetology Notes 1: 39-48.

Staniszewski, Marc. Mantellas. Frankfurt, Germany: Chimaira, 2001.

Vences, M., F. Glaw & W. Böhme. 1999. A review of the genus Mantella (Anura, Ranidae, Mantellinae): taxonomy, distribution and conservation of Malagasy poison frogs. Alytes 17 (1-2): 3-72.