Although their common name suggests that they may be dull in appearance, Mantella ebenaui exhibits rather attractive contrasting coloration. Their dorsum is light brown, tan, or copper in color, usually with a very pale X pattern. This contrasts with the sides of their body which are black, and limbs which are grey and often slightly marbled in darker brown or black. M. ebenaui is a medium-sized species, with large individuals growing to 26 mm (1.0 inch). This is one of the few species of Mantella that has a reasonably large distribution, which ranges throughout the lowlands and coasts of northern, western, and southern Madagascar.
Until recently, the species M. ebenaui was classified under the name M. betsileo, and M. betsileo, being unnamed, was usually referred to in literature as “Mantella sp. 1”. The original description of M. betsileo describes the frog as being from (not surprisingly) the Betsileo region of Madagascar, and because the frog formerly called M. betsileo (now M. ebenaui) is not known to occur in that part of the country, the name M. ebenaui was resurrected to describe it.
Wild-caught M. ebenaui are frequently available to hobbyists, but at this time, are normally found for sale as M. betsileo. They often are passed up for more brightly colored species, and have generally been paid little attention. Captive reproduction occurs infrequently, and captive-bred frogs are not often available.
In captivity, M. ebenaui is said to be fairly shy, although it has been suggested that keeping them in the appropriate warmer temperature range and maintaining a high humidity level brings them out in the open more often. Because they are a lowland species, they tolerate warm temperatures well, although they have a large distribution in the wild, and wild-caught frogs from different areas may have different temperature requirements in captivity.
Mantella ebenaui Photo Gallery
Please submit additional photographs 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.
(Photo By Michael D. Kern)
