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UNWANTED VISITOR in Florida


UNWANTED VISITOR in Florida
Photo Information
Copyright: Gabi Klemm (klemmg) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 302 W: 40 N: 484] (1719)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-11-21
Categories: Amphibians
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Sigma 50-500 F/4-6.3 EX HSM, Sigma UV
Exposure: f/11, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-03-11 16:18
Viewed: 5257
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I found this fellow during the heat of the day where he tried to stay moist and cool in the shadows of the mangrove leaves. Note the “sleepy rings” under the eyes. At first the eyes seemed very strange, and together with the bleached-looking whitish grey colour I first thought it was dead. Then the dried mucus cover came off from the eyes when it blinked. You can see the rest of mucus under its eyes and sticking to the snout. The mucus apparently serves to avoid dehydration.

I later tried to ID it and am pretty sure it is a Cuban treefrog, which is considered an invasive exotic (non-native) species and a threat to the biodiversity of Florida's native ecosystems and wildlife, so it is suggested to collect these frogs and kill them (e.g. by freezing for several days) as they have a negative impact on native species (of course after making sure it actually is a Cuban treefrog).

Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis)
- introduced to Southern Florida from the Caribbean, first reported from Key West in 1931, though it probably arrived much earlier
- largest treefrog in the US, with females in excess of 5 inches (males are generally smaller).
- color very variable ranging from pale tan/pale green without any markings to dark green or brown with an even darker color pattern on the back and legs; they may almost look white when they are inactive or cold as shown in the photo
- expanding its range along the coasts of southern Florida
- highly predaceous, will eat anything it can catch and swallow incl. native treefrogs due to its larger size
- noxious skin secretions may make it unpalatable to many predaceous birds and snakes
- skin secretions can irritate the mucous membranes of humans
- most abundant in human-altered habitats
- primarily nocturnal
- shelters in moist areas during the daytime or dry weather
- features that separate it from other treefrogs :
large toe discs, warty skin, lack of any line, light or dark passing through or below the eye,the skin on the head is fused to the top of the skull and won't move.

More info here: http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/frogs/osteopilus_septentrionalis.htm
ldsouza, manyee, cmarzano, TAZ, livios, marhowie has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Excellent shot!!! What a beautiful frog. Never seen one like it, but then I have not seen very many frogs. Very good DOF. I like the composition.

He may be an unwelcome visitor in Florida but in my book he's cool, I just find the efforts to try and eradicate an invader that is so elusive and well camaflauged is virtually impossible, there are other species of frog invaders that are unwelcomed like the marine toad and bullfrog that people have tried to eradicate but with no success. Any way nice image of this cool anuran Gabi. :)

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3089 W: 230 N: 6774] (23770)
  • [2006-03-11 18:22]

A very sharp shot of this tree frog, whatever denomination he might be. Interesting colors and markings, and fascinating adaptation that he has to avoid dehydration. Your exposure was excellent, and the texture of the frog's skin is well shown. TFS. : )

Magnifica toma de la textura de su piel ,nitidez,foco etc felicitaciones!!!
NO LA PODRIA MATAR!!!
CARLOS

Hi Gabi,
com certeza esse não é um "lindo" animal, mas está muito bem fotografado por você! Gosto das cores e da composição! Parabéns pelo ótimo trabalho!!!

Francisco Sales

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2006-03-12 1:29]

Beautiful and interesting shot for this nice frog ! Composition, details and sharpness are very good ! Congratulations Gabi and thanks for sharing.

Hi Gabi,
Excellent capture of cool looking frog,
very good details and sharpness.
Thanks for sharing!

Awesome shot Gabi!!!

  • Great 
  • livios Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2150 W: 319 N: 4263] (16942)
  • [2006-03-12 16:33]

Gabi, an excellent shot: great contrast, composition and pov.

I do enjoy sharpness too.

Congratulations on your note too.

The picture has a 3-D effect, which, of course, is very nice too.

Hi Gabi,
Very cool looking frog and well composed.
I like the light and shadow mix,
Great capture!

Brillian capture Gabi,
Good detail, colours and sharpness.
Composition and exposure are good. Good POV and framing.
Thanks for posting, enjoy the rest of the week.

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