Climbing Mantella

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to the humid, lowland tropical rainforests of northeastern Madagascar and nearby islands (such as Nosy Mangabe). Unlike other *Mantella* species which are strictly terrestrial, this species is uniquely adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, climbing high on vines, tree trunks, and bamboo stalks.

Taxonomy and Genetics: *Mantella laevigata* is a small, slender frog reaching 2.5–3 cm in length. It features expanded adhesive discs on its fingers that aid in climbing. The dorsum is a striking, bright lime-yellow or greenish-yellow, while the flanks, limbs, and belly are a solid, glossy pitch-black. The skin is smooth and carries toxins for defense.

Behavior and Habits: Diurnal, bold, and highly active. They show remarkable agility when climbing and jumping. Males are highly vocal, producing a high-pitched, chirping advertisement call. They exhibit complex parental care, depositing eggs in water-filled cavities of hollow bamboo or bromeliad axils.

Morphology: Females are slightly larger and noticeably rounder when gravid with eggs. Males are smaller and possess a darker, expandable vocal sac under the throat that swells when calling.

Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertically oriented forest terrarium (minimum 45x45x60 cm) with a bioactive setup. Live plants such as climbing *Pothos* and arboreal bromeliads (*Neoregelia*) are essential. Hollow bamboo sections or black canisters filled with clean water must be provided, as they serve as natural egg-deposition sites. Use a proper drainage layer underneath the damp substrate to prevent stagnant soil.

Lighting and Heating: Prefers mild temperatures of 23–25°C. They are highly sensitive to heat; temperatures above 28°C can cause lethal thermal stress and dehydration. Ensure a night drop to around 20°C. Provide a 5% UVB light source to promote vitamin D3 synthesis and prevent metabolic bone disease.

Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels (80–90%). Efficient ventilation (via mesh screens) is critical to prevent stagnant, bacteria-friendly conditions. Mist the enclosure daily with reverse osmosis or distilled water. They will drink water droplets from the leaves and use the water in bromeliad axils.

Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly insectivorous. Provide small live insects such as fruit flies (*Drosophila melanogaster* and *D. hydei*) or micro crickets. Dust the food with a high-quality calcium, D3, and multivitamin supplement three times a week to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Compatibility: Highly peaceful and social with their own species. They can be safely housed in small groups or colonies with multiple males and females. Do not mix them with other species of frogs or other mantellas to prevent stress and disease transmission.

Health and Common Diseases: Prolific and hardy under correct parameters, but highly sensitive to chemical contaminants. Never handle them with bare hands. Snout abrasions can occur if they are startled and jump into the glass. Maintain strict hygiene of all water-holding cups and bamboo sections to prevent bacterial infections.