Cuban Tree Frog

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. It was introduced to Florida, where it became an invasive pest. It inhabits moist forests, agricultural lands, and gardens.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the Hylidae family, genus Osteopilus. It is the largest tree frog species in North America, characterized by rough skin and large toe pads.

Behavior and Habits: Primarily nocturnal, active, and extremely predatory. It hunts anything it can swallow, including large insects, small lizards, and other frogs. Males produce a loud call.

Morphology: Adults reach lengths from 7.0 to 14.0 cm. Livery varies from green to brownish-gray with blotches. Females are significantly larger than males.

Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertically oriented terrarium of at least 60x45x60 cm. Equip with sturdy branches, robust plants like Pothos, and a damp coco-coir substrate.

Lighting and Heating: Maintain daytime temperatures between 24°C and 28°C, dropping to 20°C at night. Provide a standard day-night cycle with low levels of UVB lighting.

Humidity and Hydration: Keep humidity levels between 60% and 80% with daily misting. Provide a large, shallow bowl of fresh, declorinated water, replaced daily.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feed a variety of live gut-loaded insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, and locusts. Dust with calcium and vitamin D3 twice a week.

Compatibility: Can be housed in groups of similar size. Due to cannibalistic tendencies, do not keep with smaller frogs or other species.

Health and Common Diseases: Skin secretions can irritate human eyes and mucus membranes; wash hands after handling. Prone to bacterial dermatosis if hygiene is poor.