The Cuban Tree Frog is a big, bold, and invasive amphibian that’s made quite a name for itself in the southeastern United States. Native to the Caribbean, this adaptable species hitchhiked its way to Florida and quickly became one of the state’s most widespread tree frogs. What makes it truly stand out? It’s the largest tree frog in North America — and it has a sticky, sometimes slimy reputation among native wildlife lovers and homeowners alike.
Size & Physical Appearance
Adult Cuban Tree Frogs are usually between 2 and 5 inches long, but some can grow even larger. They have a chunky body, oversized toe pads (great for sticking to slick surfaces), and skin that ranges in color — commonly gray, brown, olive green, or even pale white. Some individuals can even change color depending on their surroundings, moisture level, or temperature.
Juveniles are often green and may have faint markings. Adults tend to lose those markings and look more uniform in color. Males are usually smaller than females, and during the breeding season, males develop dark, rough patches on their thumbs called nuptial pads.
Habitat and Range
In the U.S., the Cuban Tree Frog is found mostly in Florida, but small populations have popped up in southern Georgia, South Carolina, and even Louisiana and Texas. They’re native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, but in Florida, they’ve become established across much of the peninsula and into the Keys.
These frogs are adaptable and not too picky about where they live. You’ll find them in suburban neighborhoods, palm groves, wetlands, and even tucked behind your porch light or air conditioning unit. They’re comfortable at low elevations and are especially fond of warm, humid areas near water.
Diet
Cuban Tree Frogs are opportunistic predators. In the wild, they eat a variety of insects, spiders, snails, and even smaller frogs — including native species. Their diet includes:
- Moths and beetles
- Crickets and flies
- Anoles and other small reptiles (occasionally)
- Smaller amphibians — they can be surprisingly aggressive eaters
Their strong appetite and lack of pickiness are part of what makes them such a successful (and problematic) invasive species.
Lifespan
In the wild, Cuban Tree Frogs typically live around 5 to 10 years. In captivity, they may live longer if well cared for, sometimes reaching up to 12 years. However, because they’re invasive, people are generally discouraged from keeping them as pets in the United States.
Identification Tips
Cuban Tree Frogs can be tricky to ID since they vary in color and can resemble native species like the Green Tree Frog or the Gray Tree Frog. Here are a few clues to tell them apart:
- Size: They’re bigger than most native frogs — usually over 3 inches long as adults.
- Warty skin: Their skin often looks bumpy or grainy, especially compared to the smooth skin of Green Tree Frogs.
- Eyes: They have large, golden or bronze eyes with a horizontal pupil.
- Toe pads: Very large and sticky, giving them a strong climbing grip.
- Skin secretions: If handled, they can secrete a milky substance that may irritate human skin and eyes. Use caution.
Not sure if it’s a Cuban Tree Frog? Size and skin texture are your best early clues — and if it’s hanging out in a toilet tank or electric box, there’s a good chance it’s this species.
Fun Fact
Cuban Tree Frogs have been found clogging drainpipes, electrical boxes, and even invading people’s toilets! Their climbing skills and curiosity lead them into all sorts of awkward places — which can cause expensive damage to utility systems and household appliances.
They also tend to outcompete and eat local frogs, which makes them a threat to native ecosystems. In Florida, people are actively encouraged to humanely capture and euthanize Cuban Tree Frogs when identified.
A Friendly Word of Caution
If you live in the southeastern U.S. and spot a Cuban Tree Frog, it’s okay to be amazed — they’re impressive creatures. But it’s also important to protect native amphibians. If you’re not sure how to handle one, check with your local wildlife agency for identification help and safe removal instructions. Many state wildlife extensions provide guides for humanely managing invasive frog species.
More to Explore
Want to compare frogs before making an ID? Check out profiles for the Green Tree Frog or the Squirrel Tree Frog — two native species commonly mistaken for Cuban Tree Frogs.
And remember, every frog has its place — just not always in your mailbox.