Species information Scientific name: Macrothele gigasJapanese name: オオクロケブカジョウゴグモChinese name: 巨型長尾蛛English name: Giant Japanese funnel-web spiderOrigin: Ishigaki, Iriomote Ecology and description The Japanese common name for spiders in the funnel-web spider genus (Macrothele), belonging to the family Macrothelidae, is “ジョウゴグモ,” where “ジョウゴ” can be written in kanji as “漏斗,” possibly referring to their funnel-shaped webs. In… Continue reading Giant Japanese Funnel-web Spider
Author: YambaruWanyu
Ryukyu Brown Frog
Species information Scientific name: Rana ulmaJapanese Name: リュウキュウアカガエルChinese Name: 琉球赤蛙、沖繩林蛙English Name: Ryukyu brown frogOrigin: Okinawajima, Kumejima Ecology and description Brown frog populations from Tokunoshima, Amamioshima, Okinawajima, and Kumejima were once all classified as same species. However, recent studies revealed that although frogs from Okinawajima and Kumejima resemble those from Tokunoshima and Amamioshima in appearance, their… Continue reading Ryukyu Brown Frog
White-lipped Tree Frog
Species information Scientific name: Polypedates leucomystaxJapanese name: シロアゴガエルChinese name: 白頷樹蛙English name: White-lipped Tree FrogOrigin: Widely distributed from northeastern India to the Philippines, throughout Southeast Asia Ecology and description This species has been confirmed on most islands of the Okinawa Islands, as well as on Kita-Daito, the Sakishima Islands (including Miyakojima and Ishigaki), and Yoronjima in… Continue reading White-lipped Tree Frog
Amami Rabbit
Species information Scientific name: Pentalagus furnessiJapanese name: アマミノクロウサギChinese name: 奄美黑兔、琉球兔、奄美短耳兔English name: Amami rabbitOrigin: Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima Ecology and description Amami rabbit is the only species in the genus Pentalagus. It has short ears and claws suitable for digging. It is exclusively found on Tokunoshima and Amami Oshima. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on various plants. Currently,… Continue reading Amami Rabbit
Brown Land Crab
Species information Scientific name: Cardisoma carnifexJapanese name: ミナミオカガニChinese name: 凶狠圓軸蟹English name: Brown land crabOrigin: Coastal areas of Southeast Asia adjacent to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In Japan, found on islands south of Yoronjima. Ecology and description Brown land crab, one of the land crabs visible in the Ryukyu Islands, has seen a rapid decline… Continue reading Brown Land Crab
Otton Frog
Species information Scientific name: Babina subasperaJapanese name: オットンガエルChinese name: 隆背拇棘蛙、奧頓蛙English name: Otton frogOrigin: Amami Oshima, Kakemaru Island Ecology and description The specific name subaspera of Otton frog means raised, referring to the protrusions on its back. The Japanese common name “Otton” means “giant” in the Amami dialect. Male Otton frog can reach a length of… Continue reading Otton Frog
Amami Whipscorpion
Species information Scientific name: Typopeltis stimpsoniiJapanese name: アマミサソリモドキChinese name: 奄美鞭蠍English name: Amami whipscorpionOrigin: Iheyajima, Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima, Tokara Islands, Osumi Islands (Kuchinoerabujima, Iojima, Takeshima), Satsuma Peninsula, Kami-Koshikijima Ecology and description The whipscorpion releases an acidic gas containing acetic acid from its tail as a defense against predators. This species is endemic to Japan but has… Continue reading Amami Whipscorpion
Taiwan Whipscorpion
Species information Scientific name: Typopeltis cruciferJapanese name: タイワンサソリモドキChinese name: 台灣鞭蠍English name: Taiwan whipscorpionOrigin: Iheyajima, Okinawajima, Ishigaki, Iriomote, Hatomajima, Kohamajima, Yonaguni, Taiwan Ecology and description The whipscorpion defends itself by spraying an acidic gas containing acetic acid from its tail to repel enemies. This species is more abundant on Ishigaki and Iriomote but is not commonly… Continue reading Taiwan Whipscorpion
Minei Freshwater Carb
Species information Scientific name: Geothelphusa mineiJapanese name: ミネイサワガニChinese name: 嶺井澤蟹English name: Minei freshwater carbOrigin: Ishigaki, Iriomote Ecology and description Minei freshwater carb is an endemic species found in Ishigaki and Iriomote. The carapace is only 2.5 cm wide, making it a small freshwater crab. The claws are slightly orange-red. Field photographs taken during our tours,… Continue reading Minei Freshwater Carb
Goodyera Hachijoensis
Species information Scientific name: Goodyera hachijoensis var. matsumuranaJapanese name: カゴメランChinese name: 銀線蓮、假金線蓮English name: Goodyera hachijoensisOrigin: Izu Islands, Yakushima, Tokara Islands, Okinawa Islands, Amami Oshima, Yaeyama Islands, Taiwan Ecology and description Although Goodyera hachijoensis has been recorded on Okinawajima, it is rare and difficult to find. The species faces severe pressure from illegal collection and requires… Continue reading Goodyera Hachijoensis