Notes on the breeding biology of four species of mantellid frogs from Madagascar

Abstract

The breeding biologies of the mantellid frogs from Madagascar include an unusual mode of fertilization with eggs commonly laid on surfaces above water. Oviposition behavior and an understanding of clutch structure obtained only by observing oviposition and hydration of the milky white egg arrays of Guibemantis depressiceps (Boulenger 1882) are described. Multiple males are involved, and the females acted quite lethargic during the process. The much smaller egg arrays of Blommersia cf. domerguei (Guibé 1974), calling behaviors of G. liber (Peracca 1893), and nocturnal egg guarding by male Mantidactylus majori (Boulenger 1896) are also reported.