Greenhouse Frog - Eleutherodactylus planirostris planirostris (invasive)
Insect cheep, the squeaking of shoes in a mini bball game
Description & Identification:
Small, may reach 1.5" (38mm). Highly variable in color; generally brown with reddish tones on trunk and limbs; back is bronzy brown and it may have two prominent brown stripes or it may be mottled; pink to pinkish brown color from the eyes to the snout; legs are banded with brown; underside is whitish to gray. Toe pads are tiny.
Development:
Eggs are laid on moist soil, under vegetation or debris. Egg hatches into a frog with a tiny tail. There is no free tadpole stage; tadpole metamorphoses within the egg.
Habitat & Behaviors:
This species is not indigenous to Florida but is an exotic that has been introduced in the United States, probably from Cuba. Common in developed or urban areas, especially if vegetated with introduced flora; often found in gardens or greenhouses. May be found in all terrestrial habitats, residing under boards, leaves, logs or other debris where there is moisture. Active at night or when raining. Feeds on small invertebrates.
Similar Species:
Cricket frogs have warty skin, stripes along the rear (inside) of thighs, and usually have a triangular-shaped blotch behind the eyes. Spring peepers have a distinct "X" mark on their back. Juvenile bronze frogs have lateral ridges.
Voice Call:
A faint chirp, repeated one to four times; April to September. Calls during rainy days or nights from leaves or low vegetation.
This frog has been observed at the following locations. Click on the map to view the data.
