Species spotlight: white-spotted reed frog

White-spotted reed frog (Heterixalus alboguttatus)

The white-spotted tree frog is a species endemic to Madagascar, meaning it doesn’t occur anywhere else in the world, making the species a part of Madagascar’s famously unique biodiversity. 

‘Alboguttatus’ means “white-spotted,” referring to the pale spots on its body. These markings help it blend into grasses and reeds in its wetland habitat, making it harder for predators to spot. This frog is also known less formally as the ‘starry night reed frog’.

This frog is usually found around water; they thrive near swamps and pools. Unlike some sensitive species, these reed frogs can survive in areas modified by humans, like rice paddies as the modifications resemble the habitats they thrive in. That adaptability helps it persist despite environmental changes – though too much change is always a concern.

You can find our white-spotted reed frogs in our golden mantella (Aurantiaca mantella) display in the vivarium gallery. Make sure to look up, as they like to stick to the roof and under high up leaves.