Cuban tree frog
Cuban tree frog | |
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On Grand Cayman | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Hylidae |
Genus: | Osteopilus |
Species: | O. septentrionalis
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Binomial name | |
Osteopilus septentrionalis (A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1841)
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Synonyms | |
The Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is a large species of
Description
Cuban tree frogs are the largest tree frogs in North America, ranging from 2 to 5.5 inches or (5 to 12.7 cm) in length.[8] Cuban tree frogs are mostly gray, brown, or green, with young frogs having more green coloration than adults. These frogs have rough, warty skin with blotchy or mottled patterning.[9] Cuban tree frogs have the ability to change their color and pattern to camouflage themselves.[10] The inner thighs of these frogs are bright yellow, which helps to confuse a predator when the frog jumps and reveals the color. The toes have sticky pads that are useful in their arboreal life.[8]
The skin on their heads is fused to the skull; if the head of an adult frog is rubbed (between the eyes), the skin does not move. This special adaptation prevents water loss, since fewer blood vessels occur in the "co-ossified" (fused) area. Cuban tree frogs are able to secretes a toxic mucus from their skin which can cause a fiery sensation if it makes contact with a person's eyes.[8]
Behavior
Cuban tree frogs are mainly nocturnal and sleep during the day, preferring to hunt and breed when the sun goes down.[10] Being very voracious, this tree frog will eat almost anything large enough to fit in its mouth, including smaller frogs. Their foraging will occasionally take them up utility poles, where they can cause short-circuits of utility switches, causing costly power outages.[11] Cuban tree frogs will sometimes sleep on palm trees or in potted plants, which can aid in their spread.
Life cycle
As with most frogs, female Cuban tree frogs are larger than males. During the breeding season, the male will have a black nuptial pad on his hand or wrist that helps him hold onto the female during amplexus.[12]
Cuban tree frogs breed year round depending on the conditions, preferring to breed during the wetter months. Optimal conditions are considered to be 81.5 °F (27.5 °C) with high humidity (97.8%) and rain.
Distribution
The Cuban tree frog is native to
The Cuban tree frog is known to hitchhike on shipments of potted plants,[18] vegetation, packaging,[17] boats, and other motorized vehicles.[5] Once in a new location, the frogs become an invasive species. In Puerto Rico, they have become a predator of the common coquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui).[19] They have several good colonizing traits, such as high fecundity, short generation time, a diverse diet, good competitive ability, and the ability to coexist with humans.[17] In addition, they also secrete a toxic mucus from their skin which helps to limit the number of natural predators.[20]
Cuban tree frogs are known to inhabit a variety of habitats, including
Conservation
This large frog directly impacts native ecosystems by eating native frogs, lizards, and snakes, and poses a threat to the
In captivity
Cuban tree frogs are commonly available in the pet trade within the United States.[20] They are inexpensive, and when cared for properly tend to live five to ten years. They feed readily on any animal they can fit in their mouths, which can result in cannibalistic behavior if frogs housed together have a significant size difference.[24] Their toxic mucus can burn the eyes and trigger an allergic (or asthmatic) reaction; as a result, this species is not an ideal pet species, especially for children.[8]
The Cuban tree frog's colonization of Oahu is believed to be a result of accidental or deliberate release of pets. Therefore, the species is now banned from sale in Hawaii. Conviction of importation of a Cuban tree frog carries a maximum fine of $25,000 and a year in jail.[20]
References
- . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ Schwartz A, Thomas T. 1975. A Check-list of West Indian Amphibians and Reptiles. Carnegie Museum of Natural History Special Publication No. 1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Carnegie Museum of Natural History. 216 pp. (Osteopilus septentrionalis, p. 45).
- ^ "Osteopilus septentrionalis". NAS - Nonindigenous Aquatic Species. Archived from the original on 2010-06-10.
- ^ "Cuban Treefrog".
- ^ ISBN 978-0-618-66399-6.
- S2CID 84251137 – via USGS.)
{{cite journal}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - – via ELSEVIER.
- ^ a b c d "Cuban Tree Frog Facts and Information | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment". seaworld.org. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
- ^ ISBN 1-55566-226-9.
- ^ a b c "Cuban Tree Frog: Facts, Characteristics, Habitat and More | Animal Place". 24 May 2012. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
- ^ "Invasive Cuban tree frogs threaten native wildlife, damage utilities, says UF expert". University of Florida. 2007-06-07. Archived from the original on 2010-06-13. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
- ^ "Cuban Tree Frog". www.frog-life-cycle.com. Retrieved 2020-05-23.
- ^ ISBN 0-520-23592-4.
- ^ ISBN 0-7923-2462-5.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-226-12185-7.
- WBRZ. 2018-05-01. Retrieved 2018-05-01.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-19-531694-0.
- ^ a b "Cuban Tree Frog Found In Georgia". CBS News. 2004-10-21. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
- ^ Rana depredadora del coquí campea por su respeto en Puerto Rico(in Spanish)
- ^ ISBN 978-0-470-16510-2.
- ^ "Cuban Treefrog - Osteopilus septentrionalis". Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Retrieved 2010-11-28.
- ^ "Cuban Tree Frog Found In Georgia". CBS News. 2004-10-21.
- ^ "Florida frog hops ride to Regina". CBC News. Retrieved 2013-04-17.
- ISBN 0-89658-674-X.
Further reading
- ISBN 0-394-50824-6. (Osteopilus septentrionalis, pp. 410–411 + Plates 155, 178).
- ISBN 0-395-19977-8(paperback). (Hyla septentrionalis, pp. 325–326 + Plate 47 + Map 282).
- Duméril A-M-C, Bibron G. 1841. Erpétologie générale ou Histoire naturelle des Reptiles, Tome huitième [Volume 8]. Paris: Roret. 792 pp. (Hyla septentrionalis, new species, p. 538). (in French).
- Trueb L [fr], Tyler MJ [fr]. 1974. Systematics and evolution of the Greater Antillean hylid frogs. Occ. Pap. Mus. Nat. Hist. Univ. Kansas (24): 1-60. (Osteopilus septentrionalis, new combination, pp. 39–41).
- Wright AA, Wright AH. 1933. Handbook of Frogs and Toads: The Frogs and Toads of the United States and Canada. Ithaca, New York: Comstock Publishing Co. xi + 231 pp. (Hyla septentrionalis, pp. 126–127).
- Cadigan M “Invasive Cuban Tree Frog Spotted in SW Florida.” WPTV. WPTV, February 2, 2018. https://www.wptv.com/news/state/invasive-cuban-treefrog-spotted-in-fort-myers).
External links
- The Cuban Treefrog in Florida. University of Florida IFAS.
- Cuban Treefrog - Osteopilus septentrionalis. Florida Wildlife Extension. University of Florida.