Today is the fifth day of April’s A to Z Challenge. I will be writing about different frog species based on their latin species names! See the introduction here.
Mantella expectata –Blue-legged Mantella
I love the bright blue legs that these Mantella’s are known for. These frogs color variation is typically due to the environmental conditions. Most display brighter colors in captivity when the temperatures are cool and humidity is low. During wet season an increase in temperature and humidity encourage the M. expectata to exhibit dull colors with grey legs and a dark muddy yellow dorsum. Others have indicated that their colors are an indicator of their mood and health, bright when they are healthy and excited and dull when they are shy or unhealthy.
These frogs can be found in small temporary streams and pools as well as open canyons and rocks near water.
The M. expectata has been listed by the IUCN Red List as Endangered (EN), due to over-collection and habitat loss. This species trade has been very carefully regulated and requires close monitoring to make sure that they are not being over exported.
Sources:
(1) Amphibian Care (2) Arkive(3)IUCN Red List
Image Sources:
(1) Mantella Man Flickr (2) Amphibian Care (3) Arkive (4) Mantella Man Flickr
Like “The Frog Lady” on facebook or follow aapanaro on instagram to get some sneak peeks into the frog lady’s frog room!
The Frog Lady 
that’s a gorgeous looking frog. Sad that it’s endangered.
Visiting from A to Z Challenge
Co-host Pam’s Unconventional Alliance Team
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller
I agree! It is very sad to watch all these frogs go endangered.
What a cutie! I just love seeing your frog pictures each day, they really make me happy.
Thanks! I love seeing your photos! Off to visit yours 🙂
Gorgeous! Just working my way back through your posts from today to catch up 🙂
Jemima Pett
I am doing a similar thing this morning! It is hard to keep track while going forward and backwards and posting!
This one reminds me of the glass frog sculptures I used to see in a local gallery. Too pricey for me though.
yes!! I have always loved the glass frog sculptures, but they are always too pricey for me as well. Although I am a sucker for glass pieces, I love them in general. So pretty! Thanks for stopping by!
Real colorful!
They are! I love how gorgeous they are and each one is a little bit different!
Okay, I can now officially say I love frog’s legs! Not to eat, but to look at–diggin’ the blue!
phew! had me worried for a second there! I love the blue as well! So pretty!