A small but striking species of frog found only on the island of Madagascar. Like other members of the Mantella genus, this frog is known for its bright, warning coloration and tiny size. Their bold appearance makes them stand out against the damp leaf litter of the forest floor. What sets the black-eared mantella apart is the distinctive dark patch behind each eye, which gives the species its name and contrasts sharply with its bright, yellowish-green body.

This rare mantella lives in a very limited region in northern Madagascar, primarily in humid rainforest habitats near slow-moving streams and seasonal pools. Like many other mantellas, it is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day, and it spends much of its time foraging among leaves and moss for tiny insects, ants, and mites. The frog’s bright coloration acts as a warning to predators that it may be toxic, thanks to alkaloid compounds in its skin—chemicals it likely gets from the insects it eats in the wild.

During the breeding season, males call out with soft, chirping calls near shallow pools or moist ground to attract females. Eggs are laid in moist areas near water, and after hatching, the tadpoles are washed into nearby pools, where they complete their transformation into froglets. Because black-eared mantellas rely on very specific, clean, and undisturbed breeding sites, they are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment.

Unfortunately, the black-eared mantella is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. It faces several serious threats, including habitat destruction from logging, agriculture, and human settlement. Its small geographic range means that even minor disturbances can have major effects on the population. The species is also impacted by the illegal pet trade, where brightly colored mantellas are in high demand.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

CR

2016