8/12/2023 0 Comments Tad poles in a freezerThey have several good colonizing traits, such as high fecundity, short generation time, a diverse diet, good competitive ability, and the ability to coexist with humans. In Puerto Rico, they have become a predator of the common coquí ( Eleutherodactylus coqui ). Once in a new location, the frogs become an invasive species. The Cuban tree frog is known to hitchhike on shipments of potted plants, vegetation, packaging, boats, and other motorized vehicles. The species is now established in southern Florida and parts of the panhandle region, and can be found as far north as South Carolina. The Cuban tree frogs' progressive colonization into the mainland of Florida is believed to be abetted by use of State Road A1A construction during the 1940s. They can survive in brackish water, which may have helped the species to spread to various islands. ![]() First discovered in the 1930s, these frogs arrived via cargo ships in the 1800s. Whether the species was native to the Key West region of Florida is debated, or if it was introduced to the area. This large frog has been introduced in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands. The Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. Cuban tree frogs are able to secretes a toxic mucus from their skin which can cause a fiery sensation if it makes contact with a person's eyes. This special adaptation prevents water loss, since fewer blood vessels occur in the "co-ossified" (fused) area. The skin on their heads is fused to the skull if the head of an adult frog is rubbed (between the eyes), the skin does not move. The toes have sticky pads that are useful in their arboreal life. ![]() The inner thighs of these frogs are bright yellow, which helps to confuse a predator when the frog jumps and reveals the color. Cuban tree frogs have the ability to change their color and pattern to camouflage themselves. These frogs have rough, warty skin with blotchy or mottled patterning. Cuban tree frogs are mostly gray, brown, or green, with young frogs having more green coloration than adults. Cuban tree frogs are the largest tree frogs in North America, ranging from 2 to 5.5 inches or (5 to 12.7 cm) in length.
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