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 diastema
Common Tink Frog
Taylor, 1955
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A tiny anuran with a delicate and slender body. It has a variable base coloration that usually ranges between yellowish tones, light green, or brown, often with a pale vertebral line that helps break up its silhouette among the leaves. Its fingers have prominent adhesive disks, adapted for a semi-arboreal life.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
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.Taylor, 1955
Record Completeness
96%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.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
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
Inhabits the understory and lower levels of vegetation in humid forests and premontane forests. It is common to find it in bromeliads and other epiphytic plants that retain water, vital for its microhabitat.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mostly nocturnal species. It is active for much of the night, moving with agility among the humid vegetation. Its song is most frequent after rains, when environmental humidity is optimal.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, except during the breeding season. Males occupy small patches in epiphytic plants from where they emit their songs to attract females and defend their territory from other males.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active micro-prey hunter. Uses binocular vision and its protractile tongue to capture small prey with great precision, taking advantage of plant surfaces as hunting platforms.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore. Feeds on a wide variety of micro-arthropods that inhabit bromeliads and the lower canopy, including mites, springtails, and small ants.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous with direct development. Females deposit their eggs in water-filled bromeliads or protected tree holes. No extensive parental care has been recorded after laying.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.5 - 2.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 4 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 8
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.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
1 - 2
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Years
Females1 - 2 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are significantly smaller, with vocal sacs clearly visible when inflated. Their behavior is more active in terms of defensive and territorial vocalizations.
Females Multi-lang
Females possess a larger size, with a wider and heavier body structure to facilitate the production of their eggs. They are less vocal than males in their daily behavior.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Metallic Vocalization: Males possess an expandable vocal sac that allows them to emit a song reminiscent of metal striking metal, an adaptation to communicate effectively in environments with a lot of environmental insect noise.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Environmental Sensitivity: As small species with highly permeable skin, they are extremely sensitive to desiccation and changes in water quality, making them excellent bioindicators of forest health.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Direct Development: Like many frogs in its family, the tink frog avoids the tadpole phase. Its eggs are deposited in bromeliads, where embryos complete their development until emerging as tiny froglets.