Spinomantis massi


Spinomantis massi is a species of frog in the mantellid subfamily Mantellinae. It is endemic to the humid forests of northwestern Madagascar.

Taxonomy

This species was described in the genus Mantidactylus, subgenus Spinomantis, by Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences in 1994. The species is named massi to congratulate the daughter of Frank Glaw, Andrea Mass née Glaw, and her husband Robert Mass, on their marriage. Therefore, plural form massorum should have been used, but this is considered an unjustified emendation. The correct specific name is therefore massi.

Description

Adult males measure in snout–vent length ; the only known adult female measured. The head is wider than long. The tympanum is distinct. The fingers and toes bear enlarged, triangular disks. Males have a subgular vocal sac.

Habitat and ecology

Its natural habitats are primary forest near streams at elevations of above sea level. It is an arboreal species that breeds in streams. It is threatened by habitat loss caused by subsistence agriculture, timber extraction, charcoal manufacture, the spread of invasive eucalyptus, and expanding human settlements.