Cuban tree frog
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 Cuban Tree Frog
Osteopilus septentrionalis |
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| Osteopilus septentrionalis (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) |
The Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is the largest species of tree frog in North America. It generally lives in central to southern Florida, though it has been seen as far north as Georgia. It is, however, not native to this region; it was somehow introduced from Cuba and neighboring Caribbean islands. They have been known to eat other frog species, and frogs of the same species.
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[edit] Description
The Cuban tree frog ranges in 1.5 to 5.5 inches in length and is anywhere from a gray, light brown, to pale green in color. They also have the ability to switch between these color variations depending on their environment but they usually retain a mottled pattern (slightly spotted) with some banding on their legs. Some also have yellow coloring tucked around their leg areas. Males are smaller than females, and have darker throats and nuptial pads in the breeding seasons.
[edit] Diet
The Cuban tree frog is infamous for its huge appetite. Their diet includes almost anything they can overpower, which fits into their mouth, including: insects, other frogs (even frogs of their own species), snakes, lizards, and young birds.
[edit] Conservation concerns
It is considered to be an invasive species, consuming native frogs and lizards and posing a threat to the biodiversity of the areas into which it spreads. It has spread as far as southern Georgia as of 2004.[citation needed] It hitchhikes on vehicles or relocated soil and plants. The native green and squirrel tree frogs are rapidly disappearing due to its presence.[citation needed] They are also believed to cause power outages by sitting on transformers on electrical poles.[citation needed]
[edit] In captivity
Cuban tree frogs are commonly available in the pet trade. They are inexpensive, and when cared for properly tend to live 5-10 years. They feed readily on commercially available crickets.
[edit] References
- Hedges et al (2004). Osteopilus septentrionalis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
- Animal Bytes: Cuban Tree Frog
