Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis
As its name implies, this giant treefrog is native to Cuba. It was first discovered in Key West in 1931, apparently having hitchhiked from Cuba on vegetable or fruit imports. Its spread north is the result of opportunistic rides on potted plants and garden supplies and their deliberate release by fanciers. In Fort Matanzas National Monument, the Cuban treefrog hides beneath the base of the fronds on cabbage palms in the live oak hammock and on the crevices in the walls of the buildings. They emerge at night to catch insects and other small prey. It in turn is caught and eaten by racers foraging through the cabbage palms.
