Species information Scientific name: Styrax japonicusJapanese name: エゴノキChinese name: 野茉莉English name: Japanese snowbellOrigin: Widely distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu, Okinawa, Taiwan, China, and Korea Ecology and description Japanese snowbell adapts to relatively open forest environments and is therefore one of the common tree species along roadside areas in the Yambaru region. Although usually inconspicuous, Japanese… Continue reading Japanese Snowbell
Author: YambaruWanyu
Orestes Japonicus
Species information Scientific name: Orestes japonicusJapanese name: コブナナフシChinese name: 日本瘤竹節蟲English name: Orestes japonicusOrigin: Found in the Ryukyu Islands Ecology and description Many species in the family of stick insects reproduce parthenogenetically, meaning females can lay eggs and produce offspring without mating with males. However, males of Orestes japonicus are often observed and they reproduce sexually.… Continue reading Orestes Japonicus
Mogannia Minuta
Species information Scientific name: Mogannia minutaJapanese name: イワサキクサゼミChinese name: 姬草蟬English name: Mogannia minutaOrigin: Okinawajima, Kudakajima, Miyakojima, Tarama, Ishigaki, Taketomi, Kuro, Kohama, Aragusuku, Iriomote, Hateruma, Hatoma, Yonaguni, Taiwan Ecology and description Mogannia minuta is approximately 1.5 cm in body length, making it the smallest cicada in Japan. It is also one of the earliest cicadas to… Continue reading Mogannia Minuta
Taiwan Cherry
Species information Scientific name: Prunus campanulataJapanese name: カンヒザクラ、ヒガンザクラChinese name: 山櫻花、寒緋櫻English name: Taiwan cherryOrigin: Southern China, Taiwan, Ishigaki Ecology and description Taiwan cherry, also known Kanhizakura in Japan, has small populations on Ishigaki where it is designated as a national natural monument. On Okinawajima, Taiwan cherry is cultivated and planted in various locations. Popular cherry blossom… Continue reading Taiwan Cherry
Cavipes Hermit Crab
Species information Scientific name: Coenobita cavipesJapanese name: オカヤドカリChinese name: 凹足陸寄居蟹English name: Cavipes hermit crabOrigin: Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia, etc. Ecology and description Cavipes hermit crab is the most common land hermit crab in the mountains and inland areas of Okinawa. Since this species has the highest degree of terrestrial adaptation, the land hermit crabs seen… Continue reading Cavipes Hermit Crab
Great Nawab
Species information Scientific name: Polyura eudamippusJapanese name: フタオチョウChinese name: 雙尾蛺蝶English name: Great nawabOrigin: Southern, Eastern, and Western China, Taiwan, Japan (only on Okinawajima) Ecology and description Great nawab is distributed only on Okinawajima in Japan, where it is designated as a natural monument of Okinawa Prefecture. The great nawab flies at high speeds and chases… Continue reading Great Nawab
Kerama Ground Gecko
Species information Scientific name: Goniurosaurus sengokuiJapanese name: ケラマトカゲモドキChinese name: 慶良間瞼虎English name: Kerama ground geckoOrigin: Tokashikijima, Akajima Ecology and description Kerama ground gecko features about 3–4 light orange transverse bands on its back, and the front half of the body sometimes exhibits longitudinal stripes. Small, lighter-colored spots are usually visible between the bands. The iris is… Continue reading Kerama Ground Gecko
Yambaru Flatwig
Species information Scientific name: Rhipidolestes shozoiJapanese name: ヤンバルトゲオトンボChinese name: 山原蹣蟌、山原扇山蟌English name: Yambaru flatwigOrigin: Northern Okinawajima Ecology and description Yambaru flatwig is a small damselfly with a body length of about 4 cm. It was previously considered a part of the Okinawa flatwig (Rhipidolestes okinawanus) population. However, the population in northern Okinawa has now been recognized… Continue reading Yambaru Flatwig
Yambaru Ground Gecko
Species information Scientific name: Goniurosaurus nebulozonatusJapanese name: ヤンバルトカゲモドキChinese name: 山原瞼虎English name: Yambaru ground geckoOrigin: Northern Okinawajima Ecology and description This species was identified as a new species in a 2024 report, distinguishing it from Kuroiwa’s ground gecko (G. kuroiwae). It is found in the Yambaru region of northern Okinawajima. The dorsal crossbands of this gecko… Continue reading Yambaru Ground Gecko
Toyama’s Ground Gecko
Species information Scientific name: Goniurosaurus toyamaiJapanese name: イヘヤトカゲモドキChinese name: 伊平屋瞼虎English name: Toyama’s ground geckoOrigin: Iheyajima Ecology and description This species is characterized by a dark brown base color with yellow bands and lacks a dorsal line. It is the rarest Goniurosaurus gecko species in the Ryukyu Islands. ※ Designated as a Natural Monument in Okinawa… Continue reading Toyama’s Ground Gecko