Discover 4 Invasive Frogs and Toads Living in Florida

Written by Nixza Gonzalez
Updated: May 4, 2023
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It may surprise you to find out just how many invasive animal species live in Florida. Some of the most common invasive species in the states have been there for decades and thrive in the environment. However, while some invasive species live well in Florida, they can also harm the environment and other native species by creating unnecessary competition. There are especially invasive frogs and toads in Florida, some of which can cause harm to your furry pets!

Follow along to learn about 4 invasive frogs and toads in the state.

Cane Toad

The first invasive toad on our list is the cane toad. They are large toads and one of the easiest to identify. Although found throughout Florida, they are native to South and Central America. You can also find this large spotted toad in the Caribbean. This toad is very old with fossil evidence suggesting it’s barely changed from the late Miocene. Cane toads are about 4 to 6 inches long, with a maximum record of 9.4 inches.

Cane toads are very toxic and cause harm when ingested. These toads are covered in glands that secrete bufotoxin when threatened or afraid. This toxicity can cause rashes, crying, loss of appetite, and salivation. Human deaths have been recorded from ingesting cane toads. However, dogs are the most vulnerable to large amphibians.

While the cane toad exists naturally in parts of Texas, it’s not native anywhere else in North America. In Florida, these large toads are a threat. Interestingly, during the 1930s and 1940s people attempted to introduce this species to get rid of pests, however, they didn’t form a stable population. It wasn’t until 1957 when they were accidentally released in the Miami International Airport, that they established populations in the state.

Dumbest Animals in the World: Cane Toads

Cane toads are an invasive species in Florida native to South and Central America. They are also naturally found in southern parts of Texas.

©Peter Yeeles/Shutterstock.com

Common Coquí

The common coquí is endemic to Puerto Rico. This tiny frog makes a unique call at night, which is how this species got its name. Although most coquís are about 41 mm long, some females can grow up to 52 mm.

Common coquís are muddy-brown with light-gray bellies. These small frogs have sticky feet which they use to climb. Studies are still being completed, but scientists believe that common coquís can live about 6 years in the wild. However, most of these frogs only live for about a year. Only a small amount of common coquís live to adulthood.

Although the common coquí is native to Puerto Rico, including the islands of Culebra and Vieques, it’s also found in Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. They were introduced to Florida but never established a large population. Still, once in a while, this tiny frog species is found in the state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, this species’ population is not self-sustainable. Instead, it’s typically accidentally brought to the state.

common coqui

The common coquí is endemic to Puerto Rico but has been introduced to other parts of the world including Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.

©Jeremy A. Casado/Shutterstock.com

Cuban Tree Frog

As you may have guessed, Cuban tree frogs are native to Cuba. However, you can also naturally find them in the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. This tree frog is sometimes confused with the common coquí, however, its larger. Although Cuban tree frogs are native to Cuba, they’ve been introduced to other Caribbean islands and Florida. They are also invasive species on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Cuban tree frogs are about 2 to 5.5 inches long. Young Cuban tree frogs have green coloration, while mature Cuban tree frogs are mostly gray or brown. They are great hiders and can camouflage when threatened. Cuban tree frogs also have bright yellow inner thighs. The bright color confuses predators as these tree frogs jump away.

While you may find this species across Florida, it’s mainly common in the southern parts. Interestingly, some scientists argue that the Cuban tree frog may also be native to the Florida Keys. Cuban tree frogs are great hunters. They pose a big threat in Puerto Rico as they consume the common coquí.

Cuban Tree Frog

Cuban tree frogs have brown, grey, or green skin. They hide using camouflage when afraid.

©Steve Bower/Shutterstock.com

Greenhouse Frog

Last but not least on our list of invasive frog and toad species in Florida is the greenhouse frog. This frog is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. However, it’s been introduced to Hawaii and Florida. You can also find this small frog in Guam, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen.

These tiny frogs are about 0.67 to 1.22 inches long. They are great hiders and use their skin to camouflage outdoors. Greenhouse frogs have olive-brown skin and red eyes. There are two skin types. One greenhouse frog form has two broad stripes across its back, while the other is mottled.

This tiny frog is mainly nocturnal. They hide from humans but live in moist urban areas. These frogs are very common in Florida and sometimes come out on warm, sunny, rainy days.

Greenhouse Frog

Greenhouse frogs are native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands.

©iStock.com/VirginaGus

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Nixza Gonzalez is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering topics like travel, geography, plants, and marine animals. She has over six years of experience as a content writer and holds an Associate of Arts Degree. A resident of Florida, Nixza loves spending time outdoors exploring state parks and tending to her container garden.

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