Diasporus diastema (Cope, 1875)

Taxonomic Classification

Diasporus diastema is a species of frog in the family Eleutherodactylidae. It is commonly called the common tink frog or dink frog, a name that references the loud metallic "tink" mating call produced by males during the night.

Geographic Range

This species is native to Central America, with a range extending from Honduras, through Nicaragua and Costa Rica, to Panama.

Habitat Types

Its natural habitats are tropical humid lowland forests and montane forests, and it is also able to live in heavily disturbed habitats.

Elevation Range

It occurs at elevations from sea level up to 1,620 meters (5,310 feet).

Daytime Coloration

When hiding during daylight hours, this frog is grayish brown with spots or bars on its body.

Nighttime Coloration

When it emerges to be active at night, its color changes to pale pink or tan.

Adult Size

Adult females grow up to 1 inch (24 mm) long, while adult males reach approximately 3/4 inch (21 mm) in length.

Reproductive Development

Unlike many frog species, Diasporus diastema has no free-swimming tadpole stage; young hatch directly from eggs as fully formed, miniature frogs.

Egg Laying and Parental Care

Females lay eggs in bromeliads, and the male parent tends to the eggs.

Diet

The diet of the common tink frog consists mainly of ants and other arthropods.