Cuban Treefrog - Introduced
Osteopilus septentrionalis
(click images to enlarge)

Appearance:  Cuban Treefrogs are the largest treefrogs in the United States.  Males range in size from 1 1/2 - 3 1/2 in. (3.8 - 9 cm) and females range in size from 2 - 5 in. (5.1 - 12.5 cm).  A distinguishing trait of the Cuban treefrog is their extra large toe discs. They have variable coloration -- gray, tan, brown, green, and bronze.  Cuban Treefrogs have warty skin, an off-white venter, and yellow is present in the axil of each foreleg. In males, the bilateral vocal sacs look like waterwings when inflated.  After handling Cuban Treefrogs it is a good idea to wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes. 

Habitat: Cuban Treefrogs are primarily nocturnal and can be found in a variety of habitats, including human-impacted environments.  This species is highly arboreal (because of their toepads). Cuban Treefrogs can be found in: tropical hammocks, garden settings, irrigated shrubs, along periodically flooded drainage ditches, and other artificial habitats that retain moisture.  These frogs eat insects and prey on other treefrogs.

Vocalization:  Cuban Treefrog vocalizations are variable.  The call has been compared to:  snoring, the sound of wet fingers being drawn over an inflated balloon, and a rasping snarl. 

Reproduction/Eggs: In the Keys, Cuban Treefrogs breed anytime from March through the summer.  On the mainland, this species breeds from mid April to August. Eggs are laid as clusters of 25 - 75 floating eggs.  A total complement of more than 200 eggs can be laid.

Abundance: Cuban Treefrogs are common to abundant in Florida. They can be found from Charlotte County on the west coast and Indian River County on the east coast, southward through the Florida Keys.  Cuban Treefrogs have also been found sparingly in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Broward Counties.

Range: Cuban Treefrogs can be found in south Florida and the Keys, Cuba, Isla de Pinos, the Bahamas, The Cayman Islands.  The species has also been introduced in Puerto Rico and St. Croix.

SE ARMI Index Sites: Everglades National Park.

Additional Identification: The Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida, (University of Florida IFAS Extension)