Cuban Treefrog - Osteopilus septentrionalis (invasive)
Raspy Chuckle (trees and verticals)
Description & Identification:
Largest treefrog in the United States; reaching 5.5" (14cm). Coloration variable; generally gray to gray green or tan brown; body mottled with brown or gray, particularly upon the legs; fold of skin from the eye over the tympanum and ending on the shoulder; skin is warty; toes are partially webbed; toe pads are very large and obvious.
Development:
Up to 130 eggs are laid in rain pools, temporary ponds, and ditches; known to use pools with a relatively high salt content; hatch within 2 days. Tadpoles have a rounded body which is black above; fleshy part of the wide-finned tail is brown; fin is flecked with dark pigments.
Habitat & Behaviors:
This non-indigenous Caribbean species has been expanding its range in the United States since its introduction into the Florida Keys. Although it is common in altered and urban habitats it is comfortable in rural areas, including pine and mesic hammocks. Large in size, it not only eats insects but also other treefrogs, and may have a deleterious effect upon native treefrogs. It should not be placed in a cage or container with smaller frogs or toads which it may eat. Largely nocturnal, it hides by day in places which are moist such as cisterns, drains, cellars, axils of palms or banana trees, and potted plant containers which are watered frequently.
Similar Species:
Barking treefrogs have a white lip stripe and the toe pads are not as large as the tympanum. Gray treefrogs have a white patch below the eye and the toe pads are small, but are not found in the Hillsborough River basin.
Voice Call:
A rumbling, raspy, snore; similar to the call of the Southern leopard frog but less vigorous and usually heard in urban or developed areas rather than native or natural habitats; may call all year but most frequently during the summer months.
This frog has been observed at the following locations. Click on the map to view the data.
