Mantella betsileo closely resembles M. ebenaui in appearance, but is reported to grow larger, to 30 mm (1.2 inches), and have a reddish-brown color on the flanks, and sometimes the limbs as well. In addition, most M. betsileo lack the X pattern commonly found on the dorsum of M. ebenaui, and rarely have the heavily patterned blue and black breast also typical of that species. Though these differences exist in some frogs, it is not possible to tell the two species apart based on appearance alone at this time.

M. betsileo is known to occur in western Madagascar, with populations as far north as Ankarana Reserve, and as far south as the spiny desert.

Currently, frogs available in the pet trade and labeled as M. betsileo appear to mostly be M. ebenaui, but it is impossible to say for certain without knowing where they’ve been collected from. I do not know if M. betsileo has ever been available, or if there are any in captivity.

Mantella betsileo Photo Gallery

There are no photographs of Mantella betsileo. Please submit them to devin@amphibiancare.com

References

Glaw, F. & M. Vences (2006). Phylogeny and genus-level classification of mantellid frogs. – Organisms Diversity and Evolution 6: 236-253.

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.