Description: Mantella crocea is a small species, reaching a maximum size of 24 mm (0.9 inches). They are variable in color. Most frogs currently in captivity are yellow, tan, or brown, with a black to chocolate-color mask wrapping around the face and down their flanks. The dorsum occasionally has a very faint pattern on it, often appearing as an X or diamond-shaped marking. Frogs from populations in Ambohitantely Forest Reserve and Zahamena National Park are green in color instead of tan. Frogs appeared in the North American pet trade during the late 1990’s with similar green coloration. Red flash marks are present on the hind limbs of all M. crocea, but are absent or reduced in color in captive-bred frogs. M. milotympanum is genetically very similar to M. crocea, and may be a color morph of this species.

Red List Conservation Status: Endangered

Distribution and Habitat: Found in several forests that border swampy areas in east-central Madagascar, as well as a small forest fragment northwest of Antanananarivo (Ambohitantely, in the central highlands).

Captive Care Notes: In captivity, M. crocea is a pleasure to care for. Males are bold and often call in the open to defend territory. Females tend to be more shy and reclusive, hiding under pieces of bark or in leaf litter while the males call. They accept relatively large food items for being such a small frog, and feed on crickets as long as the width of their head without difficulty. M. crocea require cool conditions, and wild-caught frogs should not be exposed to temperatures above 25°C-26°C (77°F-79°F) for long. Frogs produced in captivity seem to tolerate higher temperatures, and appear to do fine when subjected to those near 28°C (82°F) on a regular basis. It is best, however, to maintain captive M. crocea in a more suitable temperature range, from around 18°C (65°F) to 24°C (75°F). They breed easily in captivity when exposed to seasonal cycles and fed heavily during the artificial rainy season.

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.

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.