The climbing mantella (Mantella laevigata) is a species of diurnal poison frog of the genus Mantella that resides in the subtropical regions of northeast Madagascar. Although it spends a significant amount of time in trees or bamboo forests, this frog species is not fully terrestrial and actively seeks areas with a water source. Like others in the Mantella genus, the climbing mantella has aposematic coloration, which warns predators of its toxic secretions. The lipophilic alkaloids, the building blocks of the poison, are derived from dietary arthropods. The climbing mantella consumes a variety of small insects, and its diet changes dramatically with varying seasons. Climbing mantella engage in unique reproductive behaviors that revolve around arboreal oviposition sites. Males compete with one another over the shallow pools of water where females lay their eggs. Climbing mantella exhibit a high degree of parental care, which is unusual among frogs. Description Considered a small frog, adult climbing mantella range from and weigh . Like other poison frogs, the climbing mantella is brightly colored. The anterior portion of its back is bright yellow or pale green. The arms, legs, abdomen, and posterior are black, with blue spots on the limbs. Its eyes are completely black. The climbing mantella has discs at the tip of its fingers and toes, which are webbed. The males are slightly smaller than the females, but it is difficult to identify the frog's sex using physical characteristics. Males are best recognized by their mating calls. Species that resemble this frog are M. betsileo, M. viridis, and M. expectata; however, these frogs are differently colored and often have blue spots on their throats rather than limbs. Unlike the climbing mantella, these species have a faint line running along their upper lip. Habitat and distribution The climbing mantella is found in the northeast coastal region of Madagascar in lowland rainforests and bamboo groves. This species can be found in several protected areas of Madagascar, including Mananara-Nord National Park, Marojejy National Park, Masoala National Park, Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve, and Betampona Natural Reserve. The favorable humidity level is 80% to 100%. Climbing mantella can withstand a temperature range, which is relatively large compared to other amphibian species. However, the most suitable temperature level is . Conservation The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN Red List) listed the climbing mantella as least concern in 2016, due to its wide