anyone know what kind of tree frog this is?

[lila]

We have some tiny frogs that hatched from eggs (with a little help from us) out on our porch. I'm a little concerned now that these might be Cuban tree frogs. Can anyone tell from this picture? We're in Central Florida.

[Frogger05]

It does look like a juvenile Cuban tree frog. Here is a picture that is of an actual Cuban tree frog baby:

They look the same. People say to destroy these frogs if you see them, but I don't think I could do it. They're just frogs, what harm could they do? Eat mosquitoes for us? What's wrong with that? I'm probably unaware of some fact about these frogs that is a legitimate reason not to like them, but they seem fine to me.

[lila]

It does look like a juvenile Cuban tree frog. Here is a picture that is of an actual Cuban tree frog baby:

They look the same. People say to destroy these frogs if you see them, but I don't think I could do it. They're just frogs, what harm could they do? Eat mosquitoes for us? What's wrong with that? I'm probably unaware of some fact about these frogs that is a legitimate reason not to like them, but they seem fine to me.

Thanks. That picture make it seem certain! Apparently the problem is that they eat some native species of frogs and other small reptiles, compete for resources, etc. I don't think I can euthanize them either but now wish I hadn't helped the tadpoles along....

[Frogger05]

Yeah I know what you mean, it's like you've created a monster! Haha maybe these Cuban tree frogs will be thankful for your help and not eat other frogs

[UncleChester]

..They're just frogs, what harm could they do?..

Lots... look into the Cane Toad problem in Australia as an example of just what an invasive species can do.


More ID details for a Cuban here, including details on the 'skin fused to the skull' characteristic: Florida Wildlife Extension at UF/IFAS

While I wouldn't relish the thought of euthanization, I'd also feel exceedingly bad about releasing them back into the wild and would probably end up having to keep them. Note that the freezer method mentioned in the link above isn't recommended if you do decide to put them down. See http://www.frogforum.net/tree-frogs/...tml#post124199 for more details.

What I always find ironic is that this Florida invader sometimes turns up in pet stores near me for ~$30. Or ~$40 if the store ID's them incorrectly as Whites Treefrogs.

[kmichael55]

I had a cuban tree frog who was found in a shipping container for a cactus at home depot or lowe's by my friend, here in Cleveland, OH. Of course I kept him, and freaked out about introducing an invasive species to Ohio when he escaped once! I found him in my bedroom sitting on the mirror a few days later after I had exhausted every search option... looked in vents/attic/crawlspace etc.

[kmichael55]

Ooh, I forgot the way to correctly identify them is to check whether the skin on their head is fused to the skull. If it is, it's a Cuban. My avatar is a picture of him.

[lila]

Thanks for the responses.

I will try the skin test...but they are so little and so jumpy I cant imagine getting them in a position to even test it. I have ten of these little guys. What started as a chance for my kids to see the whole transformation has really turned into a mess.