Amphibians

Cuban Tree Frong - "osteopilus septentrionalis"

The Cuban Tree Frog is one of the most adaptable and widespread non-native amphibians in both the United States and in Mead Garden.

The frog ranges in 1.5 to 5.5" in length, and are anywhere from a gray, light brown to pale green color. They also have the ability to switch between these color variations, depending on their environment, but they usually have a mottled pattern (slightly spotted), with some banding on their legs. Some also have yellow coloring tucked around their leg areas.

Males are smaller than the females, and have darker throats during the breeding season.
 

Green Tree Frog - "hyla cinerea"

The frog is medium-sized, up to 2.5". Their bodies are usually colored green, with shades ranging from bright yellowish olive to lime green.

The darkness of the color can change, depending on the lighting or temperature. There may be some small patches of gold or white. They also may have a white, pale yellow, or cream-colored line running from the jaw or upper lip to the groin. They have smooth skin and large toe pads. The abdomen is pale yellow to white.

Males have wrinkled throats (indicating the vocal pouch). Like most frogs, they eat insects.
 

Leopard Frog - "rana pipens"

Leopard Frogs are recognized by their green or brown coloration, with distinct light-edged dark spots across the back and white underside. Some specimens also have a light marking on the center of their ear (tympanic membrane).

Males have two vocal sacs, located on both sides of the body, used to attract mates and establish territory. The adult ranges in size form about 2 to 5" in length, with females generally larger than the males.
 

Broad Head Skink - "eumeces laticeps"

The Borad-headed Skink gets it's name from the wide jaws, giving the head a triangular appearance.

Adult males are brown or olive brown in color, and have bright orange heads during the mating season in spring. Females have five light stripes running down the back and tail. Juveniles are dark brown or black, and also striped with blue tails.

These animals eat insects. Broad-headed Skinks can bite and deliver a painful pinch, but are not dangerous to humans.
 

Green Anole - "anolis carolinius"

The Green Anole can reach a total length of around 6". Females are smaller. The male has a dewlap-pink or light red in color that can be extended from the chin as a courtship or territorial display.

Green Anoles can have a green or brown body color, depending on mood, time of day, their surroundings, and temperature, with a white underbelly.

As a defense mechanism, their tails detach with mild force. The lost tail piece is left twitching as a distraction so the lizard may escape safely. Missing tails will regenerate, but often the new tail is usually not as functional.
 

Glass Lizard - "ophisaurus ventralis"

The name for this slender creature is appropriate. When caught, this reptile will energetically twist and jump, trying to escape, and in the process, may shed its tail which can break into many pieces, hence the name, Glass Lizard.

Also called the glass snake or legless lizard, the Glass Lizard has a pointed snout, narrow head, and a long body with no limbs. Glass Lizards differ from a true snake in that they have eyelids and external ear openings, which snakes lack.

The averate total length is between 18 and 24", two-thirds of which may be the tail. The body is tan, brown or bronze. A dark brown to black stripe runs along the middle of the back from head to tail.

Like other lizards, they eat insects.
 

American Alligator - "alligator mississippiensis"

The American Alligator is a large reptile, up to 500lbs. Femaies average 8' long, with males averaging 11'.

The length of an alligator may be estimated by measuring the length of their snout. Each inch from the tip of the snout to the eyes, equals about one foot of length.

They like shallow lakes, ponds, and rivers, and eat turtles, snakes, birds, and other small mammals, often feeding at night. Most alligators are afraid of people.

It is against the law to feed, tease or catch an alligator.

Source: Michael McDaniel, Eagle Scout Project - BSA Troop 62 - 2007.