Green Mantella

Mantella viridis

A small, bright yellow-green Madagascar frog whose colors warn predators that it may be poisonous.

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About the Green Mantella

Green mantellas live in forests of Madagascar. Unlike many frogs, they are active during the day. They eat mostly insects and sometimes soft fallen fruit.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Mantella viridis^[1]
Diet: Mostly insects, plus soft fallen fruit.^[1]
Habitat: Forest.^[1]
Where it lives: Madagascar.^[1]
Group life: Active during the day.^[1]
Conservation status: Endangered (IUCN Red List, assessed 2016).^[2]

Fun facts

Green mantellas are active during the day, unlike many frogs.^[1]
Their bright color is a warning to predators.^[1]

Vocabulary

warning coloration: Bright colors that tell predators an animal is dangerous.
poisonous: Harmful if eaten or touched.
diurnal: Active mainly during the day.
amphibian: A cold-blooded animal, like a frog or salamander, that usually starts life in water.
endangered: A conservation label meaning a species faces a very high risk of dying out in the wild.

See it in person

Oakland ZooOakland, California · Reptile and Amphibian Discovery RoomSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Oakland Zoo. “Green Mantella Frog.” https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/green-mantella-frog/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
[2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Mantella viridis (Green Golden Frog).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/57451/48704427 (accessed 2026-10-02)

Facts last checked 2026-10-02.

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