The Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is an invasive, and is the largest tree frog in the continental U.S. Their range is restricted to the very southwestern part of Florida, which makes sense because I found this beauty on Big Pine island just outside of Ft. Meyers on March 13th. He came out onto the side of a trailer after a light evening rain. The exact impact of this species is not yet known, but it is thought that they could be exerting pressure on the native treefrogs. Key identifying features of the Cuban tree frog include slightly warty skin and large toepads. Their call is very similar to that of the southern leopard frog, except it is slightly higher.
(Zack Mikolaj, Miami University)
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