Mantella crocea is a small species, reaching a maximum size of 24 mm (0.9 inches). They are somewhat variable in color, with most in captivity being 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. Red flash marks are present on the hind limbs, but are absent in captive-bred frogs. M. crocea has a very small distribution in east-central Madagascar, northeast of Moramanga, with one population present in Mantadia National Park.
An additional frog that resembles M. crocea is lime green in color instead of yellow or tan, and found to the north of the two known localities of M. crocea. It is similar in color to the green mantellas that appear to be M. milotympanum. Often called by the common name “little green mantella” by dealers and hobbyists, it has not been available for sometime, but was found for sale often in the late 1990’s.
In captivity, M. crocea is a pleasure to care for. Males are very bold and often call out in the open to defend territory. Females tend to be rather 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 tolerate higher temperatures, and even 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.
Mantella crocea Photo Gallery
Submit additional photographs to devin@amphibiancare.com
References
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.
