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The Cuban tree frog is an amphibian and has the scientific name of Osteopilus septentrionalis and it’s also part of the Hylidae family which consist of tree frogs. Some of its features include darker colors like green and gray and its been known to change colors to match the environment. They have spots along their back and feet that allow them to stick to many surfaces. They also can reach a size around 5 to 6 cm which makes it the largest tree frog species in North America. Their lifespan is relatively 5 to 10 years and each female will lay about 3,000 eggs in each clutch making the Cuban tree frog a difficult species because they are eating all the native life.

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The cuban tree frog is originally from Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. Some of its main predators are rat snakes, black racers, crows, ribbon snakes, Cuban knight anoles, and other Cuban tree frogs. Mostly eats invertebrates like beetles and roaches, but will also eat other frogs and certain lizards. Cuba has two distinct seasons, a wet season and a dry season. May through October is the wet season, with around 1000 mm of rain, and the rest of the year is the dry season with around 300 mm of rain. These conditions are similar to Florida’s habitat and is part of the reason they thrive so well. Main limiting factors include population density, predator-prey relations, and cold temperatures. Cuban tree frogs don’t have many relations with their environment, but they can carry pathogens.

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Geographic Range

The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. The Cuban treefrog was introduced to the coast of Florida, just south of Tampa and from Orlando to Miami, as well as parts of Puerto Rico and is now considered an invasive species in those places. Osteopilus septentrionalis also has been introduced to Anguilla, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Turks and Caicos Islands. and the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. ("The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida", 2013; Hedges, et al., 2010; Maskell, et al., 2003; Meshaka Jr, 1996)

Habitat

The Cuban treefrog inhabits freshwater, tropical, and terrestrial habitats. This species can be found in mountain, forest, and coastal biomes, as well as urban and suburban areas. The Cuban treefrog typically inhabits xeric habitats. The maximum elevation the Cuban treefrog inhabits is 1110 m. The Cuban treefrog is successful in the dry habitat of Florida. This frog is often found around buildings and disturbed areas in suburban southern Florida, including in houses. The surplus of insects and other prey in suburban areas, attracts this species to urban areas. The determining factor in the distribution of this species in the southeastern United States is climate. ("The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida", 2013; Hedges, et al., 2010; Maskell, et al., 2003; Meshaka Jr, 1996)

Range elevation

1110 (high) m

3641.73 (high) ft

Physical Description

On average, Osteopilus septentrionalis is 2.5 to 12 cm long. Its size is a distinguishing feature as one of the largest of the treefrog species found in Florida. The female can be almost twice as large as the male. The Cuban treefrog has bulging eyes. This frog can be identified by its expanded pads on the end of its toes, giving it the ability to climb. Coloration varies across individuals. Most tend to be white to light brown, but can include green to dark brown, with a white, coarse abdomen. These frogs develop into froglets when the tadpoles reach a length of 1.25 to 1.91 cm. Osteopilus septentrionalis weighs 57 g, on average. ("The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida", 2013; Crump, 1986; Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008; Lannoo, 2005; McGarrity and Johnson, 2009)

Average mass

57 g

2.01 oz

Range length

2.5 to 12 cm

0.98 to 4.72 in

Development

Once a female Cuban treefrog lays a clutch of eggs, the eggs float on the surface of the water and will only survive in temperatures above 27° Celsius. The eggs hatch quickly, within a day. In the presence of temperatures above 35° Celsius a tadpole will undergo metamorphosis relatively quickly, in 3 weeks. However, with cooler temperatures metamorphosis typically takes up to a month. The tadpole is round-bodied with dorsal darker colors and lighter colors on the ventral side. It can be identified by a transparent pointed tail fin with spots and a brown tint. Dorcas and Gibbons (2008) report that the tadpole develops into a froglet when it reaches a length of 1.27 to 1.91 cm. The female Cuban treefrog grows quicker yet matures later than the male. No exact growth rates have been reported. More data are needed to evaluate the accuracy of the relationship between growth and maturation. Growth is indeterminate. ( Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008; Lannoo, 2005)

Reproduction

Males and females are polygynandrous which means males and females have multiple mates. The mating ritual of this treefrog involves a large chorus call by the male to attract the female. Beyond this chorus, breeding is random. ( Lannoo, 2005)

The most suitable habitat for breeding for the Cuban treefrog is a warm, humid area. After heavy rainstorms during the wet season in the Everglades, large populations of adults move to breeding sites and the male attracts the female through chorus calls. Breeding is typically random. The male Cuban treefrog reaches sexual maturity at 120 days, on average. The female treefrog reaches sexual maturity at 255 days, on average.

In the Cuban treefrog's native habitat of Cuba and in Florida, breeding in aquatic environments occurs throughout the year, with peaks during the wet season from May to October. This frog is oviparous with external fertilization by the male. The female Cuban treefrog lays over 3,000 eggs, laying them 75 to 1,000 at a time. As female body size increases, female fecundity increases. The eggs float on the surface of the water and will only survive in the presence of adequate ambient temperatures above 27° Celsius. The eggs hatch quickly, within 24 to 32 hours. In water temperatures above 35° Celsius, tadpoles will undergo metamorphosis relatively quickly, in 3 weeks. However with temperatures below 29° Celsius, metamorphosis typically takes a month. There is no parental care and this treefrog is immediately independent. ( AnAge, 2014; Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008; Lannoo, 2005; McGarrity and Johnson, 2009; Salinas, 2006)

The male Cuban treefrog does not exhibit parental care or defensive nature of territories. The female treefrog does not invest in offspring beyond egg-laying. ( Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008; McGarrity and Johnson, 2009; Salinas, 2006)

Lifespan/Longevity

The Cuban treefrog can live up to 12.9 years in captivity. This species has an approximate lifespan of 5 to 10 years in the wild. ("The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida", 2013; AnAge, 2014; Mattison, 2011; Salinas, 2006)

Range lifespan
Status: wild

5 to 10 years

Average lifespan
Status: captivity

12.9 years

Average lifespan
Status: captivity

12.9 years

AnAge

Behavior

The Cuban treefrog is generally nocturnal, being most active from dusk to dawn. When temperatures are below 9.5° Celsius, the Cuban treefrog goes into a state of torpor. The Cuban treefrog is generally a terrestrial species, but migrates en masse to breeding sites following heavy rainstorms.

Mating behaviors are fairly generic. The male Cuban treefrog attracts the female through large chorus mating calls. The female Cuban treefrog non-selectively mates with a male and the male fertilizes eggs from any female.

This frog is saltatorial and motile. The Cuban treefrog is an ambush predator. When captured by a predator, the Cuban treefrog will inflate its body and release defensive compounds that are toxic to humans and other mammalian predators. ( Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008; Lannoo, 2005)

Home Range

Home range has not been reported for this species. However, when McGarrity and Johnson (2010) moved treefrog individuals 200m away from their original location, movements measured per day averaged just 9 and 21 m when moved to a field and a forest, respectively. They do not appear to be territorial. ( McGarrity and Johnson, 2010)

Communication and Perception

During breeding season, males attract females with a large chorus call, a combination of a "quahh" (Dorcas and Gibbons 2008) and a croak. Cuban treefrogs have a distinct call that sounds similar to that of a southern leopard frog ( Lithobates sphenocephalus. Adult treefrogs have skin with defensive compounds that are extremely toxic to humans and other mammalian predators. When this treefrog is taken by a predator, a loud distress call is emitted and the body inflates. This may attract other animals to distract the predator. Limited research is available on visual function in the family Hylidae. It is known that amphibians have two photoreceptor rod classes, green rods and red rods, allowing for color vision and vision at low light levels. Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008; King, et al., 1993)

Food Habits

The Cuban treefrog is a generalist feeder, with invertebrates making up the majority of prey consumed. Prey include beetles and roaches and vertebrates, such as other frogs: southern leopard frogs ( ( Lithobates sphenocephalus) and eastern narrow-mouthed toads ( Gastrophryne carolinensis) and lizards: brown anoles (Anolis sagrei). Osteopilus septentrionalis is known to feed on tropical house geckos ( Hemidactylus mabouia) and Florida brown snakes ( Storeria dekayi victa). This frog species is an ambush predator. As a tadpole, it primarily feeds on algae, but is known to engage in cannibalism. Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008; Glorioso, et al., 2010)

amphibians

reptiles

insects

Predation

Rat snakes ( ( Pantherophis), eastern garter snakes ( Thamnophis sirtalis), ribbon snakes ( Thamnophis sauritus), black racers ( Coluber constrictor), American crows ( Corvus brachyrhynchos), Cuban knight anoles ( Anolis equestris), and humans ( Homo sapiens) are known predators of Cuban treefrogs. Tadpoles and juveniles are preyed upon at breeding sites by American crows. When captured, the Cuban treefrog will inflate its body and release defensive compounds that are toxic to mammalian predators. Cannibalism by young tadpoles of this species has been observed. Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008)

Ecosystem Roles

The Cuban treefrog negatively impacts ecosystems and native species in Florida because it is a known predator of native treefrogs in Florida, colonizing and taking over natural areas populated by native species. The Cuban treefrog, specifically in Tampa, Florida, is susceptible to various parasites whether introduced or acquired, including nematodes (Oswaldocruzie lenteixeirai, Aplectana species, Physaloptera species, and ( Rhabdias species), trematodes (Digenean metacercaria) and cestodes Cylindrotaenia americana). Aplectana species are most prevalent in the Cuban treefrog species found in Tampa, Florida. In its native range in Cuba, reported parasites include nematodes (Parapharyngodon osteopilli) and trematodes (Mesocoelium crossophorum), which infect the small intestines and stomach of the treefrog. "The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida", 2013; Ortega, et al., 2015)

Commensal/Parasitic Species

nematodes (Oswaldocruzie lenteixeirai)

nematodes (Aplectana species)

nematodes (Rhabdias species)

nematodes (Physaloptera species)

trematodes (Digenean metacercaria)

cestodes (Cylindrotaenia americana)

nematodes (Parapharyngodon osteopilli)

trematodes (Mesocoelium crossophorum)

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

This frog species has no positive economic importance for humans.

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

The Cuban treefrog is poisonous and releases a skin mucous that is toxic and a potential health hazard to humans. The Cuban treefrog is a household pest that negatively impacts humans by entering homes through plumbing systems, clogging toilets and sink drains. This frog species is also known to invade bird nesting boxes, which can be a troublesome for wildlife enthusiasts. ( Maclean, 1989)

injures humans

household pest

Conservation Status

The Cuban treefrog is listed by the IUCN as "Least Concern." In southern Florida and along the coastline, the Cuban treefrog is a predator and competitor to native frog species which has led to anti-conservation efforts to protect native species. Blaustein et al. (2010) reports that various climate change predictions show the possibility of further expansion of the Cuban treefrog in North America. This frog is not given any special conservation status on the US Federal List or CITES. ( Blaustein, et al., 2010; Dorcas and Gibbons, 2008; Maskell, et al., 2003)

Contributors

Marisa Dameron (author), Radford University, Cari Mcgregor (editor), Radford University, Zeb Pike (editor), Radford University, Karen Powers (editor), Radford University, April Tingle (editor), Radford University, Jacob Vaught (editor), Radford University, Tanya Dewey (editor), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Glossary

Nearctic

living in the Nearctic biogeographic province, the northern part of the New World. This includes Greenland, the Canadian Arctic islands, and all of the North American as far south as the highlands of central Mexico.

References

UF/IFAS Extension. The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida. WEC218. Gainesville, FL: UF/IFAS Extension. 2013. Accessed February 04, 2016 at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW25900.pdf.

AnAge, 2014. "Osteopilus septentrionalis" (On-line). AnAge: The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database. Accessed April 11, 2016 at http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Osteopilus_septentrionalis.

Babbitt, K., W. Meshaka Jr. 2000. Benefits of eating conspecifics: Effects of background diet on survival and metamorphosis in the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis). Copeia, 2000/2: 469-474.

Blaustein, A., S. Walls, B. Bancroft, J. Lawler, C. Searle. 2010. Direct and indirect effects of climate change on amphibian populations. Diversity, 2/2: 281-313.

Crump, M. 1986. Cannibalism by younger tadpoles: Another hazard of metamorphosis. Copeia, 1986/4: 1007-1009.

Dorcas, M., W. Gibbons. 2008. Frogs & Toads of the Southeast. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press.

Glorioso, B., J. Waddle, M. Crockett, K. Rice, H. Percival. 2010. Diet of the invasive Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in pine rockland and mangrove habitats in south Florida. Caribbean Journal of Science, 46/2-3: 346-355.

Hedges, B., L. Díaz, B. Ibéné, R. Joglar, R. Powell. 2010. "Osteopilus septentrionalis" (On-line). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed February 04, 2016 at http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/55811/0.

King, R., J. Douglass, J. Phillips, C. Baube. 1993. Scotopic spectral sensitivity of the optomotor response in the green treefrog Hyla cinerea. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 267/1: 40-46.

Lannoo, M. 2005. Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species. Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press.

Maclean, W. 1989. Reptiles and Amphibians of the Virgin Islands. London: Macmillan Caribbean.

Maskell, A., J. Waddle, K. Rice. 2003. Osteopilus septentrionalis (Cuban treefrog) diet. Herpetological Review, 34/2: 137.

Mattison, C. 2011. Frogs and Toads of the World. New York: Princeton University Press.

McGarrity, M., S. Johnson. 2009. Geographic trend in sexual size dimporphism and body size of Osteopilus septentrionalis (Cuban treefrog): Implications for invasion of the southeastern United States. Biological Invasions, 11/6: 1411-1420.

McGarrity, M., S. Johnson. 2010. A radio telemetry study of invasive cuban treefrogs. Florida Scientist, 73/3: 225-235.

Meshaka Jr, W. 1996. Retreat use by the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): Implications for successful colonization in Florida. Journal of Herpetology, 30/3: 443-445.

Meshka Jr, W., B. Ferster. 1995. Two species of snakes prey on Cuban treefrogs in southern Florida. Florida Field Naturalist, 23/4: 97-98.

Ortega, N., W. Price, T. Campbell, J. Rohr. 2015. Acquired and introduced macroparasites of the invasive Cuban treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis. International Journal for Parasitology, 4/3: 379-384.

Punzo, F., S. Law. 2006. Effects of nitrate-related compounds on growth, survival, and hematological responses in tadpoles of the Cuban treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis (Boulenger). Journal of Environmental Biology, 27/2: 187-190.

Rodder, D., F. Weinsheimer. 2009. Will future anthropogenic climate change increase the potential distribution of the alien invasive Cuban treefrog (Anura:Hylidae)?. Journal of Natural History, 43/19-20: 1207-1217.

Salinas, F. 2006. Breeding behavior and colonization success of the Cuban treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis. Herpetologica, 62/4: 398-408.

Wyatt, J., E. Forys. 2004. Conservation implications of predation by Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) on native hylids in Florida. Southeastern Nationalist, 3/4: 695-700.

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The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. The Cuban treefrog was introduced to the coast of Florida, just south of Tampa and from Orlando to Miami, as well as parts of Puerto Rico and is now considered an invasive species in those places.

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The green highlighted area is where Cuban tree frogs have been reported. https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/cubantreefrog.shtml

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The Cuban tree frog is most commonly found in the peninsula of Florida and very rarely, but more over the years, has started to pop up in the panhandle. The most common theory for how Cuban tree frogs were introduced into Florida is by cargo ships coming from Cuba. These frogs can take away resources and food from other native animals that are apart of the same trophic level. They expand throughout ecosystems very quickly since they are very fast breeders. They are mostly secondary or tertiary consumers since they mainly eat bugs and sometimes other frogs, snakes, or lizards. With the amount of their reproduction, along with their role, they need a lot of food that they take from native species. This leads to a decrease in native populations of animals, which could lead to extinction.

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Controlling the Cuban Tree Frog species can be difficult challenge, especially when they blend into the Florida environment. If you come across a frog some identifications the Cuban tree frog has are a blue like skeleton that can be viewed from the belly, skin that is fused to the skull, and a size to around 4 to 6 inches which is not the case for native frogs which average to around 3 inches. Besides finding them in the wild, another good way to collect the Cuban tree frogs is by placing a PVC pipe into the ground behind bushes around your home. The frogs are attracted to the shelter of the pipe and stay there during the day. Once you’ve caught and identified a Cuban Tree Frog you don’t need permission to euthanize them, and in the state of Florida it’s recommended. A good way to do this is by putting them in a plastic bag and into a freezer for around 24 hours. Another way to deal with them is to contact originations. A good one that is recommended is the University of Florida. These options are recommended due to the destruction the Cuban Tree frog is causing by eating native species of Florida and decreasing the population of multiple species.

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“Cuban Tree Frog Facts and Information: United Parks & Resorts.” Cuban Tree Frog Facts and Information | United Parks & Resorts, seaworld.org/animals/facts/amphibians/cuban-tree-frog/. Accessed 26 May 2025.

“Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus Septentrionalis).” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Sept. 2014, www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Ecological-Risk-Screening-Summary-Cuban-Treefrog.pdf.

Dameron, Marisa. “Osteopilus Septentrionalis (Cuban Treefrog).” Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Osteopilus_septentrionalis/. Accessed 26 May 2025.

Morningstar, C.R., et al. “Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus Septentrionalis) - Species Profile.” USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, 2019, nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=57.

NPS. “Nonnative Animals.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2024, www.nps.gov/foma/learn/nature/nonnative-animals.htm.

O’Connor, Rick. “Hunting for Cuban Treefrogs.” UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County, 20 Apr. 2018, blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2018/04/20/hunting-for-cuban-treefrogs/.