Taxonomic name: Eleutherodactylus planirostris (Cope, 1862)
Synonyms: Euhyas planirostris, Hylodes planirostris
Common names: greenhouse frog (English), rana-ladrona de invernadero (Spanish)
Organism type: amphibian Eleutherodactylus planirostris, the greenhouse frog, is a small anuran native to the Caribbean which has invaded non-native Caribbean locations, the United States, and Mexico. Most commonly spread through infested plants transported by nursery trade, it has potential for rapid colonization and represents a threat to native funa in introduced ranges. Description
Eleutherodactylus planirostris is a very small frog, about 1-3 cm long, that may have light longitudinal stripes or a mottled coloration with light and dark patches. It is brown with orange or reddish tones and reddish eyes. Its toes are unwebbed, long and thin with well developed tubercles. Its call is a soft, melodious series of irregular chirps (Somma, 2008; GSMFC, 2007; USGS-NWRC, 2007; NatureServe, 2008). Occurs in:
natural forests, planted forests, range/grasslands, riparian zones, ruderal/disturbed, wetlands Habitat description
A terrestrial, nocturnal amphibian, the greenhouse frog typically inhabits forests, riparian zones, and other areas that offer shelter and moisture. They are commonly found among husk piles and thrive in human altered areas such as junk yards, geenhouses, nurseries, lawns, and gardens. They are resilient to hot and dry conditions as well making them a formidable colonist species. Eleutherodactylus planirostris is generally observed only at night or in rain. They do not depend on standing freshwater as they are a direct-developing frog species and have no larval stage (NatureServe, 2008; GSMFC, 2007; USGS-NWRC, 2007; Rice et al, 2007; Pough et al, 1977). General impacts
Eleutherodactylus planirostris' potential for rapid colonization and population explosion make it a potential threat to endemic species in introduced ranges. Since these habitats lack disease and predators to control their populations, greenhouse frogs can cause ecological detriment. They prey heavily on invertebrates including insects, spiders, and snails some of which are threatened. In addition to invertebrates themselves, greenhouse frogs threaten bird and fish species by competing for their prey as in the case of Hawaii's endangered Oahu 'elepaio (see Chasiempis sandwichensis in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) (MISC, 2007). Uses
Some people intentionally introduce Eleutherodactylus planirostris to their gardens because they find them and/or their call appealing (Bomford et al, 2005). Geographical range
Native range: Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba
Known introduced range: Grenada, Jamaica, Mexico, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States (USA) Introduction pathways to new locations
Nursery trade: Eleutherodactylus planirostris has been unintentionally introduced to several locations by way of infested plants, landscaping materials etc. transported by the horticulture industry and nursery trade thus earning its nickname the greenhouse frog (Bomford et al, 2005, Somma, 2008).
Local dispersal methods
For ornamental purposes (local): Some individuals intentionally introduce Eleutherodactylus planirostris to enhance their gardens because find them and/or their call appealing (Bomford et al, 2005).
Horticulture (local): Eleutherodactylus planirostris are most commonly spread locally by way of infested plants sold through the nursery trade (Bomford et al, 2005). Management information
Preventative measures: Control of horticulture trade would be the most effective means of mitigating the spread of Eleutherodactylus planirostris. However enforcement of such policies has proven difficult (Kraus and Campbell, 2002).Cultural: Hawaii has published pest alerts informing the public of greenhouse frogs and their negative effects on the environment. It gives a physical description and a description of their call as well as urges the public to reports sightings and even hand capture and dispose the frogs humanely (PestAlert, undated). Chemical: Chemical treatment appears to be the only practical and cost effective means of controlling E. planirostris once established. Hawaii legalized and advocates the use of Ash Grove Kemilime and/or Graymont Hydrated Lime on outdoor ornamentals in nurseries, residential areas, parks, resorts, forest habitats and other natural areas to control E. planirostris under an EPA approved Quarantine Exemption. Also, spray application of 2.0% concentration caffine solution has been demonstrated to eliminate greenhouse frogs (Kraus and Campbell, 2002; USFS, 2006). Nutrition
Eleutherodactylus planirostris commonly feeds on invertebrates, insects, and arthropods. Ants, beetles, spiders, copepods and earthworms comprise most common prey (GSMFC, 2007). Reproduction
Sexual, oviparous. Breeding in greenhouse frogs occurs in the summer. Clutches of 3-26 eggs are laid on the ground under moist vegetation, rocks, or debris. Hatching occurs approximately 2 weeks later. Development takes place within the egg and hatchlings emerge fully developed at about 0.5 cm in length. Increased reproduction and dispersal can be facilitated by large storms (GSMFC, 2007; Somma, 2008) Lifecycle stages
Greenhouse frogs lack a larval stage, hatchlings emerge fully developed measuring about 0.5 cm (GSMFC, 2007).
Compiled by: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group
(ISSG)
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Last Modified: Wednesday, 24 November 2004
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