Introduction
The Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is a large species of tree frog native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. However, due to its adaptability and voracious appetite, it has become an invasive species in various regions, including Florida, Georgia, and other parts of the Americas. This article delves into the diet and feeding habits of the Cuban tree frog, exploring its impact on native ecosystems and its role as a predator.
Origin and Distribution
Originating from Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas, the Cuban tree frog has unfortunately expanded its territory due to owners letting their frogs escape, and now populates parts of Georgia and Florida, where they are considered an invasive species. The Cuban tree frog is the largest treefrog in North America and was introduced to southern Florida from the Caribbean. It has continued to spread in Florida.
Physical Characteristics
The Cuban tree frog grows to an astounding length of 5 inches (2.5 to 12 cm long). They have slender bodies for their size and powerful legs, enabling them to jump great distances. On the tip of each toe is a sticky pad, enabling them to climb trees. Generally, this species is green or gray so that they can blend into their surroundings. They can change color slightly depending on their level of stress and the color of foliage they are surrounded in.
Cuban treefrogs can be highly variable in color, from pale tan/pale green without any markings to dark green or brown with an even darker color pattern on the back and legs. Sometimes they almost look white when they are inactive or cold. The skin on their heads is fused to the skull.
Habitat
This species prefers habitat that is moist and shady, in trees, shrubs, or around houses. The Cuban treefrog inhabits freshwater, tropical, and terrestrial habitats. The Cuban treefrog typically inhabits xeric habitats. It is also found in suburban southern Florida, including in houses.
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Cuban tree frogs are known to inhabit a variety of habitats, including estuaries, low-density suburban development, small towns, agricultural areas, particularly ones with exotic plants, and lowland forests and swamps. Within their habitats, they can be found in damp, shady areas, particularly around shrubs and trees, by cisterns, rain barrels, and buildings.
Diet and Feeding Habits
The Cuban tree frog is an ambush predator with a colossal appetite. Throughout its entire life, a Cuban tree frog will eat crickets. They have colossal appetites and you should feed them as much as they will eat in 15-20 minutes three times a week as adults. Juveniles should be fed daily. If a Cuban tree frog does not get enough to eat, they have been known to eat other frogs inside the tank, even their own kind. Adults can also have a pinkie mouse once every other week to keep them full.
They will eat absolutely anything in the wild, including other frogs, which contributes to their invasive species status in the USA, as they eat native species that are smaller. Being very voracious, this tree frog will eat almost anything large enough to fit in its mouth, including smaller frogs. They eat Florida's native frogs, toads, and lizards, in addition to insects and spiders.
The Cuban treefrog is generally nocturnal, being most active from dusk to dawn.
Impact on Native Ecosystems
Many people have reported that after they first noticed a Cuban treefrog in their yard, they noticed the gradual disappearance of the other frogs, toads and even lizards. That's because Cuban treefrogs are voracious eaters. They are SO successful at taking over habitat and eating Florida's native species that they are considered an invasive exotic (non-native) species. They are a threat to the biodiversity of Florida's native ecosystems and wildlife.
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This large frog directly impacts native ecosystems by eating native frogs, lizards, and snakes, and poses a threat to the biodiversity of the areas into which it spreads by causing native tree frog populations to decline. These effects are most noticeable in urban and suburban areas, where native tree frogs, such as the American green tree frog (Hyla cinerea ) and the squirrel treefrog (Hyla squirella ) are rapidly disappearing.
Their foraging will occasionally take them up utility poles, where they can cause short-circuits of utility switches, causing costly power outages. They also pose a health hazard to humans.
Reproduction
The breeding season lasts from May to October. Males will call to females when the mating season begins. The voice, or call, of the Cuban treefrog is variably pitched, slightly rasping or like grating stone. Male frogs call in hopes of attracting a female.
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. A female can lay several hundred eggs to over a thousand in a single clutch.
Life Cycle
The eggs hatch quickly, within 24 to 32 hours. The eggs hatch quickly, within a day. Tadpoles survive on algae and will occasionally eat other tadpoles, and on rare occasions, recently metamorphosed juveniles. The tadpole develops into a froglet when it reaches a length of 1.27 to 1.91 cm. Metamorphosis typically takes up to a month. The eggs hatch quickly, within 24 to 32 hours at 27° Celsius. Tadpoles can fully develop in one month.
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Conservation Efforts
Due to the destructive effects Cuban treefrogs have on native species of amphibians and reptiles, many biologists recommend that Cuban treefrogs be euthanized/killed.