Cuban Treefrog*
Osteopilus septentrionalis
Photo credit: Dr. Steve A. Johnson, University of Florida
The Cuban treefrog is one of several non-native species of frogs in Florida. Cuban treefrogs are very common in suburban neighborhoods, and can be found around homes and other buildings. They also invade natural oak and pine forests.
Cuban treefrogs occur across the entire Florida peninsula, but only isolated individuals have been seen in the panhandle region. A large female Cuban Treefrog may grow four to five inches, and this is the largest species of treefrog in the state.
Cuban treefrogs are considered an invasive species, and they eat native treefrogs. Like Florida’s native treefrogs, Cuban treefrogs have enlarged toe pads at the ends of their fingers and toes that allow them to climb the sides of houses and trees. Cuban treefrogs vary a lot in color and pattern. They can be white, beige, brown, yellow, green, or combinations of these colors. They may have an obvious pattern of stripes and other marking on their backs and legs, or they may be a solid color.
They have large, bug-eyes, and usually have numerous small warts on their back. They emit a noxious skin secretion that can irritate the nose and eyes of people.
Learn More
- Wikipedia - Cuban treefrog
- UF Florida Wildlife Extension - Cuban treefrog
- Florida Museum of Natural History - Cuban treefrog
* Intermediates may be asked to identify these animals by sound (calls).