4 Species of Invasive Frogs in Florida (Pictures)

Florida is home to 27 native frog species, along with several non-native species. However, not all these amphibians are welcome. Four invasive frogs in Florida have proven particularly harmful, spreading across the state and affecting native ecosystems.

Florida’s diverse wetlands, including the 1.5-million-acre Everglades, support an array of wildlife and provide critical benefits for people. These wetlands help store water, prevent flooding, and maintain water tables, supplying drinking water to over 8 million Floridians. However, invasive species can upset these ecosystems, threatening local wildlife and altering ecological processes. Below, learn about the four invasive frog species to watch for in Florida and the risks they pose.

Invasive Frogs in Florida

The 4 invasive frogs in Florida that we’re looking at below are the Cuban tree frog, Greenhouse frog, Common Coquí, and Cane toad.

1. Cuban Tree Frog 

Scientific name: Osteopilus septentrionalis

Cuban tree frogs are not native to Florida, but now exist throughout the state. They originally came from Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands and accidentally arrived in Florida in the 1920s. Most likely on cargo container ships. 

These tree frogs vary in color and can change color, making them hard to identify. They can be gray, white, green, or brown. Some have no markings, while others have dark streaks or blotches. They are typically 1.5 to 3 inches in length but can grow up to 5.5 inches. 

Cuban tree frogs are invasive because of the problems they cause for humans and the ecosystem. They eat native frogs, take over birdhouses, and their tadpoles compete with native tadpoles.

In urban areas, they defecate on walls and windows, leaving stains. They also short-circuit utility switches and cause power outages.

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2. Greenhouse Frog

Scientific name: Eleutherodactylus planirostris

Greenhouse frogs are native to Cuba and were first observed in Florida in the 1860s. Its name comes from the fact it was usually introduced as stowaways on imported landscaping materials and tropical plants. 

Their successful, rapid spread throughout the United States from Hawaii to Florida has made them an invasive frog in multiple states. Although not as problematic as other invasive species, these frogs have negatively impacted the diversity of native insects.

Today, you can find them in almost any terrestrial habitat in Florida, except only isolated areas in the panhandle. They live near small stream valleys but can also be found in residential areas. You’ll see them in hardwood hammocks, gardens, dumps, greenhouses, and gopher tortoise burrows. 

These frogs have plump bodies and their heads may be marked with a dark triangle. They usually grow between 0.6 to 1.25 inches in length. 

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3. Common Coquí

Scientific name: Eleutherodactylus coqui

The Common Coquí is native to the islands of Vieques and Culebra in Puerto Rico. They are typically under 2 inches long with a brown or tan color. This frog has large toepads for climbing but usually stays close to the ground. 

In Florida, you can find them mostly in Dade County in suburban developments. They persist in nurseries and greenhouses since they easily die off during winter freezes. While their populations are not self-sustaining, constant re-introduction keeps them prevalent in Florida. 

These frogs easily spread because they don’t require bodies of water for reproduction, only sufficient moisture at any altitudes. While the overall impact of the Common Coquí is unknown in Florida, they can be disruptive to the nursery trade. People often become reluctant to purchase plants that may be infected. 

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4. Cane Toad

Scientific name: Rhinella marina

Cane toads are also known as marine toads or giant toads. Although not a “frog” by name, both frogs and toads are part of the Anura order. Cane toads are native from the lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas to the Amazon basin in South America. 

These toads were introduced to Florida in the 1930s and 40s to control pests in sugar cane agriculture. Today, they live in the south and central regions, typically south of the I-4 corridor. They are the largest toads in Florida, with adults growing around 4 to 6 inches in length and up to 9.4 inches. 

Cane toads are invasive because of their highly poisonous secretion that’s dangerous to pets. Even their tadpoles are toxic and easily compete with native species. Additionally, these toads eat various things, including native frogs, pet food, and food you leave out. 

FAQs about invasive frogs in Florida

1. What are invasive frogs, and why are they harmful in Florida?

Invasive frogs in Florida are non-native species that disrupt the state’s natural resources, ecosystems, and even human activities. Florida’s unique ecosystems, including its extensive wetlands, make it vulnerable to invasives that compete with local wildlife. These frogs often damage habitats and outcompete native species, negatively impacting Florida’s biodiversity.

2. Why are invasive frog species a problem in Florida?

Invasive animals in Florida create problems by altering natural ecosystems. They can deplete resources needed by native species, with their tadpoles consuming food and space critical to local frog populations. Some, like the cane toad, are poisonous and pose risks to pets, wildlife, and humans. Others, such as the Cuban tree frog, can cause costly power outages by damaging electrical infrastructure—an issue smaller native frogs don’t cause.

3. Are all non-native frogs considered invasive in Florida?

No, not all non-native frogs in Florida are considered invasive. Some non-native species may have been introduced to the environment intentionally, with the hope of providing ecological benefits. However, even with good intentions, non-native introductions can sometimes lead to unintended harm to local species and ecosystems.

4. What traits make a frog species invasive in Florida?

Invasive frogs in Florida often share traits that allow them to spread and thrive in the state’s environments. Common traits include:

• High dispersal rates: They move easily across habitats, quickly establishing new populations.
• High reproductive rates: Many reproduce rapidly, increasing their numbers quickly.
• Broad diets: They eat a wide range of prey, which impacts the food supply for native species.
• Adaptability to human areas: Some invasive frogs thrive near human developments where they find ample resources.
• Long lifespans: Longer lives allow them to persist and continue spreading over time.
• Ease of colonization: They can establish in new areas with little resistance, often outcompeting native frogs in Florida.