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 tigrillo
Tigrillo Tink Frog
(Savage, 1997)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A fascinating and beautifully patterned, diminutive frog distinct within its genus. It is characterized by its remarkable pale yellow, greenish-yellow, or tan dorsal coloration, heavily adorned with bold, dark brown, or black irregular spots and blotches that vividly resemble the coat of a margay or oncilla (tigrillo). The body is compact with a short, rounded snout, finely granular belly skin, large expressive eyes showing a golden-copper iris, and specialized expanded digital pads with distinctive T-shaped terminal phalanges that lack any form of foot webbing.
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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.(Savage, 1997)
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.
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
Primarily localized to pristine premontane wet forests and humid transition zones, typically between 600 and 1,300 meters above sea level. It spends its life strictly in the arboreal layer, heavily associated with the interior of epiphyte-laden branches, micro-moss colonies, and the water-retaining leaf axils of large bromeliads high in the forest understory.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Exclusively nocturnal and highly localized. Males initiate calling immediately after rainfall or during high moisture nights, hidden within the core of bromeliads or call from the undersides of leaves. They remain remarkably quiet and deeply concealed during dry spells.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary with calling territories heavily guarded by acoustic counter-calling. Males will strictly space themselves out based on the structural volume of the host epiphyte clusters to avoid aggressive call overlap.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 specialist and high-canopy ambush insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Acts as an ambush micro-predator targeting specialized canopy insects, small dipterans, mites, and ants. It is preyed upon by small arboreal pit vipers, predatory katydids, and nocturnal insectivorous birds.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Engages in terrestrial direct development where the entire larval state occurs within the egg envelope. The female deposits a very small clutch of large, yolky eggs into secure micro-chambers like waterless bromeliad layers. Fully developed neonate froglets emerge directly without passing through a tadpole phase.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.6 - 2.1 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.8 g - 2.9 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 15
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.
11 - 15 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
32 - 48
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are smaller and noticeably slender, ranging tightly between 1.6 and 1.8 cm in length. They are equipped with a single vocal sac under the chin that becomes translucid when inflated.
Females Multi-lang
Females are physically robust and larger, reaching maximum lengths near 2.1 cm. They lack any acoustic emission structures and display a wider, heavier trunk profile during egg production phases.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Features specialized disruptively patterned spots (leopard-like spots) that break up the silhouette of the frog against sun-dappled epiphytic mosses and lichen-covered bark, making it virtually invisible to arboreal predators.
Highly efficient cutaneous respiration combined with behavioral mechanisms to conserve moisture inside bromeliad tanks, allowing it to survive periods of reduced rainfall in the middle forest strata.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Severe habitat fragmentation due to the clear-cutting of forest for agricultural development, pasture conversions, and logging of mature trees hosting complex epiphyte communities.
Microclimate disruption caused by regional deforestation, which lowers the air humidity and causes dry air thermal layers to invade the high understory.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Its specific name 'tigrillo' was assigned in honor of its striking spotted pattern, mimicking the beautiful and cryptic camouflage of Central America's small spotted wild cats.