Species information Scientific name: Pericrocotus tegimaeJapanese name: リュウキュウサンショウクイChinese name: 琉球山椒鳥English name: Ryukyu minivetOrigin: Kanto region to Kyushu, Japan, and Ryukyu Islands Ecology and description The Ryukyu minivet has a grey belly. Males have a blacker head, while females have a greyer head. They are easier to observe during the breeding season in spring. Originally, the… Continue reading Ryukyu Minivet
Author: YambaruWanyu
Small Indian Mongoose
Species information Scientific name: Herpestes auropunctatusJapanese name: マングース、フイリマングースChinese name: 紅頰獴English name: Small Indian mongooseOrigin: Northern South Asia Ecology and description In 1910, Okinawa introduced the non-native Small Indian mongoose to control Habu snakes and rats. The Small Indian mongoose spread rapidly and expanded its territory, posing a significant threat to Okinawa rail as it reached… Continue reading Small Indian Mongoose
Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker
Species information Scientific name: Yungipicus kizukiJapanese name: コゲラChinese name: 小星頭啄木鳥English name: Japanese pygmy woodpeckerOrigin: Japan (including the Ryukyu Islands), Korea, parts of northeastern China. Ecology and description The Japanese pygmy woodpecker is approximately 13-15 cm in length and is a small woodpecker. It sometimes forages in mixed flocks with the Japanese white-eye or other tit… Continue reading Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker
Ryukyu Long-Furred Rat
Species information Scientific name: Diplothrix legataJapanese name: ケナガネズミChinese name: 琉球長毛鼠English name: Ryukyu long-furred ratOrigin: Endemic to northern Okinawajima, Tokunoshima, and Amami Oshima Ecology and description The Ryukyu long-furred rat is the only species in the genus Diplothrix, and it is one of the most representative animals of the central Ryukyu Islands. It is designated as… Continue reading Ryukyu Long-Furred Rat
Giant House Centipede
Species Information Scientific name: Thereuopoda cluniferaJapanese name: オオゲジChinese name: 大蚰蜒、臀獵足蚰English name: Giant house centipedeOrigin: Widely distributed in warm, humid areas of East and Southeast Asia. In Japan, found in Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Ryukyu Islands. Ecology and Description The giant house centipede can grow up to 7-10 cm and preys on insects and other… Continue reading Giant House Centipede
Ryukyu Flycatcher
Species Information Scientific name: Ficedula owstoniJapanese name: リュウキュウキビタキChinese name: 琉球姬鶲English name: Ryukyu flycatcherOrigin: Ryukyu Islands (Osumi Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture ~ Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture) Ecology and Description Previously considered a subspecies of the Narcissus flycatcher (Ficedula narcissina), it is now regarded as an independent species. Sightings on Okinawajima are rare and infrequent. Field… Continue reading Ryukyu Flycatcher
Cardiodactylus cricket (Forest cricket)
Species information Scientific name: Cardiodactylus guttulus Japanese name: キマダラマツムシChinese name: 黃斑鐘蟋English name: Cardiodactylus cricket (Forest cricket)Origin: Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Southeast Asia Ecology and description The Cardiodactylus cricket is the most common cricket in Okinawa. On Okinawa Island, adults can be found starting around mid-August. They are extremely abundant and serve as a primary food source… Continue reading Cardiodactylus cricket (Forest cricket)
Okinawa Giant Silkworm
Species information Scientific name: Rinaca japonica ryukyuensisJapanese name: クスサンChinese name: 雙黑目天蠶蛾（琉球亞種）English name: Okinawa giant silkwormOrigin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima Ecology and description The Rinaca japonica species is divided into three subspecies based on their distribution: The adults of the Ryukyu subspecies have a darker color than the mainland subspecies. Although the Japanese name クスサン (Camphor… Continue reading Okinawa Giant Silkworm
Okinawa Rail
Species information Scientific name: Hypotaenidia okinawaeJapanese name: ヤンバルクイナChinese name: 沖繩秧雞、山原秧雞English name: Okinawa railOrigin: Northern Okinawajima (endemic) Ecology and description 1. Appearance The Okinawa rail has a total length of approximately 35 cm and weighs about 450 g. The plumage from the crown to the tail is deep olive-green, the face is black, and a white line… Continue reading Okinawa Rail
Okinawa Skink
Plestiodon marginatus Japanese name: オキナワトカゲChinese name: 沖繩石龍子English name: Okinawa SkinkOrigin: Okinawa Islands, Yoronjima, Okinoerabujima The Okinawa Skink reaches a total length of about 15–19 cm and is distributed in the Okinawa Islands as well as on Yoronjima and Okinoerabujima in the Amami Islands. It mainly inhabits coastal forests and grasslands, in contrast to Barbour’s Skink… Continue reading Okinawa Skink