Description: One of the smallest species in the genus, Mantella milotympanum matures to size less than 23 mm (0.9 inches). Males are usually smaller than females and are quite vocal during the rainy season. M. milotympanum is solid red, with the exception of two black spots covering their tympanums. Green individuals are known from some localities, but typically less than a quarter of the frogs at a site are this color. This species was described from individuals acquired in the pet trade in 1996. Further genetic work has revealed that M. milotympanum is closely related to, and likely conspecific with, M. crocea. Populations of mantella frogs to the north and south of the known localities of M. milotympanum display coloration and patterning intermediate between the two species, and are referred to in literature as M. cf. milotympanum.

Red List Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Distribution and Habitat: M. milotympanum is known from several localities where they inhabit swamp forests in east-central Madagascar, near the town of Fierenana. There, like other mantellas, they spend much of the year inactive during the dry season, coming back to life and feeding heavily when the rains arrive in November and December.

Captive Care Notes: As of 2009, wild-caught M. milotympanum are no longer available, although for many years they were seasonally exported and sometimes mislabeled as M. aurantiaca by dealers and retailers. Captive breeding occurs infrequently, and captive-bred M. milotympanum are only occasionally available. It has been noted by at least two hobbyists that wild-caught red M. milotympanum have produced mixed offspring of green, red, and orange, suggesting that some of the frogs in the pet trade come from variable populations composed of red and green frogs.

In captivity, M. milotympanum are bold and quite showy for such a small frog. Males call relentlessly after heavy misting, and unlike many other species, females seem to be fairly outgoing as well. They will excavate tiny burrows beneath driftwood, piles of moss, and dried leaves, where females deposit eggs. Cool temperatures are necessary to maintain this species. Avoid those above 26°C (79°F) to prevent heat stress. During a simulated dry season, the temperature can fall as low as 15°C (59°F) without problems.

References

Bora, P., R. Dolch, R. Jenkins, O. Jovanovic, F. Rabemananjara, J. Randrianirina, J. Rafanomezantsoa, L. Raharivololoniaina, O. Ramilijaona, N. Raminosoa, R. Randrianavelona, A. Raselimanana, B. Razafimahatratra, T. Razafindraibe, and M. Vences. 2008. Geographic distribution of three species of Malagasy poison frogs of high conservation priority: Mantella aurantiaca, M. crocea and M. milotympanum. Herpetology Notes 1: 39-48.

Razafimahatratra, B., Fatroandrianjafinonjasolomiovazo, N., Andriantsimanarilafy, R., and R. Jenkins. The status of Mantella milotympanum in the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor, eastern Madagascar. Herpetology Notes 2: 207-213

Schaefer, H., M. Vences, and M. Veith. 2002. Molecular Phylogeny of Malagasy Poison Frogs, Genus Mantella (Anura: Mantellidae): Homoplastic Evolution of Colour Pattern in Aposematic Amphibians. Organism Diversity & Evolution 2: 97-105.

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.

Vieites, D. R., F. E. C. Rabemananjara, P. Bora, B. Razafimahatratra, O. Ramilijaona Ravoahangimalala & M. Vences. 2005. Distribution and population density of the black-eared Malagasy poison frog, Mantella milotympanum Staniszewski, 1996 (Amphibia: Mantellidae). 197-204 in: Huber, B. A. & K. H. Lampe (eds.): African Biodiversity: Molecules, Organisms, Ecosystems. Proc. 5th Intern. Symp. Trop. Biol., Museum Koenig, Bonn. Springer.