Cuban tree frog
1428009
219138376
2008-06-13T19:19:10Z
163.205.105.66
{{Taxobox
| name = Cuban Tree Frog
| status = LC
| trend = up
| image = Cubantreefrog.jpg
| image_caption = Cuban Tree Frog<br>''Osteopilus septentrionalis''
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
| classis = [[Amphibia]]
| ordo = [[Anura]]
| familia = [[Hylidae]]
| genus = ''[[Osteopilus]]''
| species = '''''O. septentrionalis'''''
| binomial = ''Osteopilus septentrionalis''
| binomial_authority = ([[André Marie Constant Duméril|Duméril]] & [[Gabriel Bibron|Bibron]], [[1841]])
}}
The '''Cuban Tree Frog''' (''Osteopilus septentrionalis'') is the largest species of [[tree frog]] in [[North America]], native to [[Cuba]] and neighboring [[Caribbean]] islands. It has become increasingly numerous in central to southern [[Florida]], where it was accidentally introduced and is considered an [[invasive species]].
== Description ==
The Cuban tree frog ranges in 1.5 to 5.5 inches in length and is anywhere from a [[gray]], [[light brown]], to pale [[green]] in color. They also have the ability to switch between these color variations depending on their environment but they usually retain a mottled pattern (slightly spotted) with some banding on their legs. Some also have yellow coloring tucked around their leg areas. Males are smaller than females, and have darker throats and nuptial pads in the breeding seasons.
[[Image:Osteopilus septentrionalis (Green).jpg|left|200px|thumb|This green-colored Cuban Tree Frog was photographed in [[Cocoa, Florida]]]]
== Diet ==
The Cuban tree frog is infamous for its huge appetite. Their diet includes almost anything they can overpower, which fits into their mouth, including: [[insect]]s, other [[frog]]s (even frogs of their own species), [[snake]]s, [[lizard]]s, and young [[bird]]s.
== Conservation concerns ==
The Cuban tree frog is considered to be an [[invasive species]] in the continental United States, consuming native frogs and lizards and posing a threat to the [[biodiversity]] of the areas into which it spreads. It has spread as far as southern Georgia as of 2004 <ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/21/tech/main650682.shtml Cuban Tree Frog Found In Georgia, Exotic Amphibian Devours Native Frogs And Insects In Its Path - CBS News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. It [[hitchhike]]s on vehicles or relocated soil and plants. The native [[American green tree frog|green]] and squirrel tree frogs are rapidly disappearing due to its presence. They are also believed to cause power outages by sitting on transformers on electrical poles. <ref>[http://news.ufl.edu/2007/06/12/cuban-tree-frog/ Invasive Cuban tree frogs threaten native wildlife, damage utilities, says UF expert - University of Florida News]</ref>
== In captivity ==
Cuban tree frogs are commonly available in the [[pet]] trade. They are inexpensive, and when cared for properly tend to live 5-10 years. They feed readily on commercially available [[cricket (insect)|crickets]].
==References==
{{reflist}}
*http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/21/tech/main650682.shtml
* {{IUCN2006|assessors=Hedges ''et al''|year=2004|id=55811|title=Osteopilus septentrionalis|downloaded=12 May 2006}} Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
*[http://www.swbg-animals.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/amphibia/anura/cuban-tree-frog.htm Animal Bytes: Cuban Tree Frog]
[[Category:Tree frogs]]
[[Category:Invasive animal species]]
[[ca:Osteopilus septentrionalis]]
[[de:Kuba-Laubfrosch]]
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[[nl:Cubaanse boomkikker]]
[[ja:キューバズツキガエル]]