African clawed frog
(Xenopus laevis)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Xenopus laevis is native to southern and sub-Saharan Africa. The exact introduction of African clawed frogs to the United States is unknown. However, X. laevis is a popular species for laboratory research which means intentionally released or accidental escapes of subjects can occur. It is also a popular pet that is found in aquariums and households.
Life Cycle
X. laevis are greenish-grey in color with brown to black spotting. Adult African clawed frogs grow to 5 in. (12.7 cm) in length and have clawed toes. African clawed frogs are highly adaptable and hardy aquatic species. To avoid predators, X. laevis can propel backwards in the water and have toxins in their skin. Mating occurs underwater with thousands of eggs fertilized. Eggs hatch within 1 week of fertilization with adults showing no parental care. Tadpoles appear in high numbers and have distinguishable catfish-like whiskers.
Distribution
X. laevis have been found in slow-moving creeks and natural or artificial ponds in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Control Efforts
X. laevis are voracious predators that consume native invertebrates, frogs (e.g., eggs, tadpoles, and adults), fish, and birds. African clawed frogs can transmit parasites and diseases to native frogs.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=67
http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/xenopus-laevis
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Clawed-Frog
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/african-clawed-frog
Xenopus laevis is native to southern and sub-Saharan Africa. The exact introduction of African clawed frogs to the United States is unknown. However, X. laevis is a popular species for laboratory research which means intentionally released or accidental escapes of subjects can occur. It is also a popular pet that is found in aquariums and households.
Life Cycle
X. laevis are greenish-grey in color with brown to black spotting. Adult African clawed frogs grow to 5 in. (12.7 cm) in length and have clawed toes. African clawed frogs are highly adaptable and hardy aquatic species. To avoid predators, X. laevis can propel backwards in the water and have toxins in their skin. Mating occurs underwater with thousands of eggs fertilized. Eggs hatch within 1 week of fertilization with adults showing no parental care. Tadpoles appear in high numbers and have distinguishable catfish-like whiskers.
Distribution
X. laevis have been found in slow-moving creeks and natural or artificial ponds in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Control Efforts
X. laevis are voracious predators that consume native invertebrates, frogs (e.g., eggs, tadpoles, and adults), fish, and birds. African clawed frogs can transmit parasites and diseases to native frogs.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=67
http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/xenopus-laevis
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Clawed-Frog
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/african-clawed-frog
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Amphibia |
| Order: Anura |
| Family: Pipidae |
| Genus: Xenopus |
| Xenopus laevis |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.