*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names: Cuban Flat-headed Frog
Subspecies: No subspecies recognized.
Adult Description: A small frog (maximum 1.3”) with more granular skin compared to Rio Grande Chirping Frogs. Expanded toe tips, and no webbing between toes. Two color morphs exist. Striped morphs are generally a shade of brown on back and sides with a prominent light orange to tan longitudinal stripe on each side of back beginning just behind eye. Mottled morphs lack longitudinal stripes and are uniformly light to dark brown on back, with light and dark markings. Both morphs usually have a chevron-shaped dark marking on back just past arms and a fine line of small, raised tubercles down midline of back. Both morphs usually have a light orange to tan triangular area on top of snout bordered by a dark band between eyes. Eyes tend to be reddish. Area above upper lip typically has small, scattered white markings, which are also usually present on lower sides. Dark bars on limbs, though sometimes not prominent and appearing as dark markings. Belly is dull white to gray with a conspicuous abdominal vein down middle of belly, which is only seen in Louisiana in our two exotic Eleutherodactylus species.
Similar Species:
Species Range: Native range is Cuba, Cayman Islands, and northern Bahamas. Introduced and established in United States, likely by way of potted plants and landscape materials, throughout much of Florida and Hawaii and coastal areas of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Also established in parts of Mexico, Panama, Guam, and several localities in Caribbean.
Louisiana Range: Known from many parishes in southeast Louisiana and Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Lake Charles metropolitan areas.
Adult Habitat: Though usually found in urban and suburban areas in Louisiana, it is common in natural areas in other regions of its introduced range. Because they often stowaway in soil, mulch, and potted plant shipments they may be discovered anywhere these materials are transported.
Natural History: Greenhouse Frogs are primarily nocturnal and are active in warm, humid weather. They are reported to eat a variety of small arthropods, with ants comprising a large portion of their diet. Predators are unknown but likely include snakes. They are primarily terrestrial and secretive, typically living in leaf litter and ground cover. Calling occurs from April through September. Females typically lay 3–26 eggs just under loose soil or cover objects. Eggs hatch in 13–20 days into tiny froglets. Maturity is within 1 year of hatching. Wild longevity is unknown.
Call: High-pitched, delicate, cricket-like chirp each lasting less than a second. A series of up to 6 soft trilled notes are also produced.
Best Time and Place to Observe: This frog can often be found under cover objects in contact with moist soil where it is usually quick to escape when uncovered. They can sometimes be found while gardening or during or after heavy rains when they are forced to evacuate their home burrows and crevices. Trying to find individuals that are calling can be extremely difficult.
Global Conservation Status: Greenhouse Frogs have a relatively wide native distribution in Cuba, the Bahamas, and Cayman Islands, a presumed large population, and tolerate a broad range of habitats, and thus, are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None.
Louisiana Conservation Status: Exotic Greenhouse Frogs do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I first found this species in Louisiana (in the photos above) under a pile of old palm fronds in St. Bernard Parish in 2009. In 2015, I detected this species at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center in Orleans Parish and at the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Jefferson Parish. Since 2018, I have found this species at a location in St. Charles Parish.
