AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Diasporus hylaeformis
Montane Dink Frog
(Cope, 1875)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A distinctive, very small direct-developing frog that holds the status of being the largest member within its specialized genus. It features a compact, robust body structure with a somewhat rounded snout and beautifully smooth to slightly iridescent skin. The dorsal coloration is immensely variable and complex, ranging from shades of pink, diffuse red, and golden tan to dark brown, frequently decorated with small dark spots, dashes, or an interorbital bar. Its large eyes feature a golden-bronze iris and specialized expanded digital discs on its fingers that lack webbing.
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Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Ranita tink manchadaPico Blanco robber frogMontane dink frogRana de Pico BlancoRana campana montañesa
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Amphibia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Anura
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Eleutherodactylidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Diasporus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Cope, 1875)
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Strictly restricted to humid montane cloud forests and dense, pristine wet tropical rainforests at high elevations, typically ranging between 1,500 and 2,500 meters above sea level. It is commonly discovered hiding within the dense understory foliage, broad leaves, arboreal bromeliads, mossy branches, and clusters of damp ferns.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Exclusively active during the night. Males climb to elevated positions in low understory vegetation, bushes, or bromeliads to start calling immediately after dusk. During the day, they remain securely insulated from dehydration deep within leaf axils or thick damp moss layers.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary in nature, avoiding direct physical interaction outside of mating. High acoustic spacing behavior occurs through territorial vocalizations, where males alter the frequency and repetition of their metallic clicks when another calling male is nearby.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Arboreal micro-arthropod predator and nocturnal montane insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Functions as a skilled micro-predator within the cloud forest understory, utilizing its specialized sight to catch tiny insects, small flies, ants, and beetles. It forms an essential energy source for nocturnal forest birds, small montane snakes, and larger tree frogs.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Breeding relies entirely on terrestrial direct development, omitting the aquatic tadpole phase. Courtship culminates with the female selecting a hidden moisture-retaining micro-site like a bromeliad axil or leaf fold to deposit less than 20 large, unpigmented eggs, which hatch directly as tiny froglets.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.9 - 2.6 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.1 g - 3.8 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.8 - 20
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 16 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 45
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 5 Years
Females2 - 6 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are smaller and more slender, measuring approximately 1.9 to 2.2 cm in snout-vent length. They are equipped with a single large subgular vocal sac that expands dramatically during vocal signaling.
Females Multi-lang
Females represent the largest body dimensions in the entire genus, reaching lengths up to 2.6 cm. They are much stouter, entirely lack vocal structures, and exhibit a heavily distended abdomen when fully laden with mature, large eggs.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses unique, highly developed expanded digital pads on the tips of its fingers that utilize capillary fluid forces to safely scale wet vertical structures and inverted leaves in high-wind montane environments.
Remarkable polychromatism or dorsal color polymorphism that mimics different stages of leaf decay and moss growth, effectively splitting the visual template and protecting individuals from specialized avian predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
High susceptibility to cloud base lifting and reduction of ambient forest moisture driven by global climate change, which dries out the vulnerable high-altitude microhabitats.
Encroachment and habitat destruction at the lower boundaries of its altitudinal range due to intensive cattle ranching and coffee farming expansions.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Adult males produce an incredibly resonant, loud, metallic tapping vocalization that sounds like a distinct 'tink' or 'dink'. This piercing sound is deceptively loud for a frog of its minuscule dimensions.