Fauna
Amphibian

Cuban Tree Frog

Osteopilus septentrionalis

Also known as Cuban Treefrog

Cuban tree frogs are notorious for their large body size, variable coloration, and coarse, warty skin fused directly to the skull. These nocturnal amphibians excel at opportunistically hunting native tree frogs, insects, and small vertebrates around artificial lighting in residential areas. Introduced widely outside their native Caribbean range, their aggressive spread and irritating skin secretions pose severe ecological threats to native ecosystems.

InvasiveNocturnalAmphibian
Cuban Tree Frog reference1 / 7
"Cuban Tree Frog" by BigCypressNPS is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/. · cc0
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyNative Tree Frogs, Insects, Small Lizards
Predators
  • Owls
  • Snakes
  • Raccoons
ThreatsHabitat degradation in native range; highly invasive elsewhere
HabitatsSubtropical forests, wetlands, urban parks, and suburban residential areas
Life span5–10 years
Classification
  1. OrderAnura
  2. FamilyHylidae
  3. GenusOsteopilus
  4. SpeciesOsteopilus septentrionalis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Skin mucus causes severe burning if rubbed into eyes or mouth; wash hands immediately after touching.
Why it is dangerous
Noxious skin mucus contains irritating chemical compounds that cause severe burning sensations if transferred to sensitive mucous membranes or eyes.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by unusually large toe pads, rough warty skin, and skull bone fused directly to the dorsal head skin.
What to do
Wear disposable gloves if capturing, avoid face contact, and wash hands thoroughly with soap immediately afterward.
Responsible observation
  • Sanitation: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling to avoid skin and eye irritation.
  • Humane Removal: In non-native areas, follow local wildlife agency guidance for humane capture and reporting.
  • Observation: Search near exterior house lights at night where adults gather to hunt attracted insects.
Related species
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Moonlight Marvels

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