Cuban treefrog

Description

The Cuban tree frog ranges in size from 3 to 5.5 in (76 to 140 mm) in length.It is the largest tree frog in North America.It has a rough,warty skin.Its toepads are much larger than those of other tree frogs,and it often has an orange tint to its eyes.It varies in color from olive-brown or bronze to gray or grayish-white.Cuban tree frogs can change colors depending on their temperature and environment.Many individuals have darker splotches on the back,and some splotchy banding on the legs.In many individuals,the hidden surfaces of their legs are bright yellow.When the frog leaps to avoid a predator,these bright-yellow patches are visible,and may help to confuse the predator.Also,the skin on their heads is fused to the skull;if the head of an adult frog is rubbed (between the eyes),the skin does not move.This special adaptation prevents water loss,since fewer blood vessels occur in the "co-ossified" (fused) area.When handled,Cuban tree frogs secrete a toxic mucus from their skin.In humans,this can cause an allergic reaction or burning sensation to the eyes and nose,and even trigger asthma.