Florida's Amphibious Invasion of Cuban Tree Frogs

The Cuban Tree Frog will eat it's own kind while also eating lizards.Photo byPalm Coast Local

It's Big. It's ugly. It eats it's own kind. It's becoming a problem in Florida.

The cuban tree frog is ordinary frogs. They hail from the exotic island of Cuba, and when they infiltrate an area, they push out the common green tree frogs, establishing their amphibian regime.

The State of Florida has even declared them “kill on sight,” a dramatic action movie tagline for dealing with these invaders. Last night, I encountered the grand marshal of this frog invasion: a colossal Cuban Tree Frog. This guy was no mere frog; he was practically a toad in disguise. A whopping 5 inches long with a girth of 3 (or maybe 4) inches, he commanded attention. His light green skin displayed a beautiful array of colors, and his eyes—oh, those eyes—half yellow, half black, jutted out from the top of his head like twin searchlights.

My wife couldn’t believe it: “That Is a Big As_ Frog.” We decided to give him a name: “Loony.” It’s a gender-neutral moniker, fitting for a frog of such impressive proportions. Now, with a designated identity, Loony has earned a stay of execution. So, as twilight descends, we prepare for the serenading Cuban Tree Frogs—their amphibious symphony echoing through the night.

Cuban Tree Frogs: Amphibious Marvels

Cuban tree frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) have carved out a unique niche for themselves, in their native habitat and as invasive species elsewhere. These remarkable amphibians deserve a closer look. Here are some intriguing facts about them:

Size and Appearance:

As the largest tree frog species in North America, Cuban tree frogs boast a length ranging from 2 to 5.5 inches (5 to 12.7 cm).

Their coloration spans a spectrum from dark green to pale gray. Interestingly, they possess the remarkable ability to change color to match their environment. Young frogs often exhibit more vibrant green hues than their adult counterparts. Their skin, rough and warty, showcases blotchy or mottled patterns.

Adaptations:

Camouflage: These frogs are masters of disguise. Their ability to alter their color and pattern allows them to seamlessly blend into their surroundings, evading predators.

Bright Yellow Thighs: When startled, Cuban tree frogs reveal their bright yellow inner thighs. This serves as a distraction, confusing potential threats during their agile jumps.

Sticky Pads: Their toes feature sticky pads, perfect for their arboreal lifestyle. With these pads, they cling effortlessly to various surfaces—trees, walls, and more.

Behavior:

Nocturnal Lifestyle: Cuban tree frogs are primarily active at night. Under the cover of darkness, they hunt and engage in breeding activities.

Voracious Appetite: These frogs are anything but picky eaters. They’ll devour almost anything that fits into their mouths, including smaller frogs. Their diverse diet contributes to their invasive success.

Utility Pole Climbers: Occasionally, they venture up utility poles. Surprisingly, their presence on these poles can lead to short-circuits and power outages—an unexpected consequence of their urban adaptability.

Invasive Species:

Originally native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, Cuban tree frogs have established colonies in several other regions.

Florida is one such location where they thrive. Their wide-ranging diet and ability to adapt to urban environments contribute to their success as invasive species.

Next time you hear the nocturnal serenade of Cuban tree frogs, remember the fascinating adaptations that allow them to thrive!

Cautionary Note:

Cuban tree frogs secrete a toxic mucus from their skin. If this mucus comes into contact with a person’s eyes, it can cause a fiery sensation.

So, while they’re impressive and intriguing it’s also essential to handle them with care.

Have you experienced an invasion or perhaps spotted a few. What are you doing to get rid of them?