Guibemantis bicalcaratus (Boettger 1913)

The species G. bicalcaratus has originally been described from Nosy Boraha, and this name afterwards been applied widely to populations of brown and inconspicuously coloured Pandanus frogs. Genetic data indicate that most of these populations are strongly differentiated from Nosy Boraha specimens. Furthermore, two clearly distinct species occur syntopically at Nosy Boraha. This species can be distinguished from other species of the Pandanusicola subgenus by differences in tympanum diameter and coloration. M. liber has larger hands and feet (Glaw et al. 1994).Taken with permission from Glaw and Vences (2007).

Nosy Boraha, Andranofotsy. It occurs from sea level to 1,200m asl (Nussbaum and Raxworthy 2008).

It is an arboreal species of rainforest, including degraded forest. It has also been found in eucalyptus plantations, but not in open areas. It lives and breeds in Pandanussp. leaf axils by larval development. Active during the day (Nussbaum and Raxworthy 2008). Calls: Recorded from Fenoarivo and possibly to be assigned to typical G. bicalcaratus. Fast series of four click notes. Calling males were heard all year around, mainly in the evening, but sometimes, after heavy rain, during the day. The tadpoles are adapted to phytotelmioc habitats by their flattened shape. As in M. Pulcher, the larvae of this species were observed leaving the water vertically along a smooth plastic surface. They heavily wind with the tail and adhere to the underground after movement. They probably have the ability to move between the different water bodies in the phytotelms (Glaw et al. 1994).

It occurs in many protected areas (Nussbaum and Raxworthy 2008).