Scientific Name: Osteopilus septentrionalis.
Common Names: Cuban Tree Frog.
Distribution: Cuba, United States of America south of Florida, Isle of Pines, Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands, Bahamas, St. Croix, & Puerto Rica.
Size: Males: 2-3", Females: 5"
Sexing: The males tend to have darker skin on the throat and nuptial pads when in breeding condition. Females have a more rounded body shape.
Colouration: The colouration in these frogs differs greatly, They range from the usual greyish green to a light creamy brown. Some individuals may be mottled with a darker brown to create a camouflage bark effect.
Requirements: Being a rather large species they require quite a spacious terrarium. A 20-gallon tank would be ideal for a group of 4 adults. They require a woodland type set up with a substrate of either bark chips or topsoil on top of which an area of live moss should be provided. The tank can be furnished with a selection of logs, cork bark, rocks, and sturdy leafed plants (Live or artificial). These items should be arranged in such a way that they provide a number of climbing, perching and hiding areas for the frogs. A large water bowl (no deeper than the frog's height at rest) should be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The enclosure will need to be heated to a daytime temperature of 25-27°C (75-82°F) with a drop at night to 22°C (72°F). This can be done using an under tank heat-mat controlled by a thermostat. Spot bulbs / heat lamps are not recommended for use with amphibians and so a fluorescent UVB tube should be provided as a light source.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, mini-mealworm, flies, waxworm, small locust, caterpillars and moths should be fed every two-three days. Large females may take small pinkie mice. A calcium and vitamin supplement should be used once a week. Young frogs will take hatchling crickets and fruitflies, these should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used two-three times a week.
