This animal was in the pet trade and it appears to be a member of the Boophis tephraeomystax Group. This species complex is currently considered to contain seven species but more species are likely to discovered. Five species: B. tephraeomystax, B. idae, B. hillenii, B. opisthodon and B. granulosus, have similar morphology (very reduced webbing between the fingers), similar tadpoles, and similar biology (breeding habitats are shallow, often temporary pools, outside forest). B. tephraeomystax is common in coastal areas, in cleared, cultivated countryside, and in the dry areas. During dry periods the species hides in leaf axils. During the rains it can be found during the daytime on vegetation. Males call at night from the vegetation, about 10-50 cm above the water, of shallow, sunlit pools, swamps or ricefields. Sometimes they also sit on the ground near the edge of the pools. They have axillary amplexus. See: Glaw and Vences, 1994. Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar, Bonn: Museum Alexander Koenig.

Betsileo Golden Frog, Mantella betsileo (Grandidier, 1872). Adults are 20-28 mm. Males call during the day after heavy rainfalls. Eggs are laid on the ground under stones near streams or slow moving water. They feed on ants, termites, and probably mites.