Species information Scientific name: Limnonectes namiyeiJapanese name: ナミエガエルChinese name: 波江大頭蛙, 波江蛙English name: Namie’s frogOrigin: Endemic to northern Okinawajima Ecology and description Namie’s frog inhabits the upper reaches of mountain streams and breeds during the summer. It is characterized by its large head and belongs to the same genus as the Fujian large-headed frog (L. fujianensis)… Continue reading Namie’s Frog
Author: YambaruWanyu
Brown Spotted Pitviper
Species information Scientific name: Protobothrops mucrosquamatusJapanese name: タイワンハブChinese name: 龜殼花English name: Brown spotted pitviperOrigin: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Taiwan, and mainland China Ecology and description The Brown spotted pitviper on Okinawajima was introduced from Taiwan and is currently mainly distributed in the Motobu Peninsula area, northern Yomitan Village, and Onna Village. The commercial benefits brought by… Continue reading Brown Spotted Pitviper
Yaeyama Pachyrhynchus Weevil
Species information Scientific name: Pachyrhynchus infernalisJapanese name: クロカダゾウムシChinese name: 八重山球背象鼻蟲English name: Yaeyama Pachyrhynchus weevilOrigin: Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima Ecology and description This species is the only representative of the genus Pachyrhynchus confirmed to occur in Japan, and it is found only on Ishigakijima and Iriomotejima. Members of this genus are primarily distributed across the Philippine islands, with… Continue reading Yaeyama Pachyrhynchus Weevil
Yambaru Chevron Cricket
Species information Scientific name: Melanabropsis yanbarensisJapanese name: ヤンバルクロギリスChinese name: 山原烏黯螽English name: Yambaru chevron cricketOrigin: Okinawajima, Kumejima Ecology and description The Yambaru chevron cricket lives in the old-growth forests of Okinawajima and Kumejima. It is about 32–39 mm long, nocturnal, and hides in tree hollows during the day. It occurs near large Itajii chinkapin trees (Castanopsis… Continue reading Yambaru Chevron Cricket
Ryukyu Sweetleaf
Species information Scientific name: Symplocos liukiuensis liukiuensisJapanese name: アオバナハイノキChinese name: 青花灰木English name: Ryukyu sweetleafOrigin: Okinoerabujima, Okinawajima Ecology and description This subspecies is endemic to Okinoerabujima and Okinawajima. Another subspecies, S. liukiuensis iriomotensis, is found only on Iriomote. In February, small purple flowers bloom that are very cute, attracting poachers and making the wild population scarce.… Continue reading Ryukyu Sweetleaf
Pacific Land Crab
Species information Scientific name: Tuerkayana hirtipesJapanese name: オカガニChinese name: 毛足特氏蟹English name: Pacific land crabOrigin: Widely distributed from the tropical Indian to Pacific regions Ecology and description Narrowly defined land crabs refer to crabs of the family Gecarcinidae. There are 6 species of land crabs in the Ryukyu Islands: The Pacific land crab has a carapace… Continue reading Pacific Land Crab
Sakishima Green Snake
Species information Scientific name: Cyclophiops herminaeJapanese name: サキシマアオヘビChinese name: 先島青蛇English name: Sakishima green snakeOrigin: Yaeyama Islands, Miyako Islands Ecology and description Sakishima green snake has a body length of about 50-85 cm, and its color is more like gray-green. The head appears relatively small and sometimes it has dark longitudinal stripes. Juveniles have transverse patterns.… Continue reading Sakishima Green Snake
Sakishima Wolf Snake
Species information Scientific name: Lycodon walliJapanese name: サキシママダラChinese name: 先島紅斑蛇、沃氏鏈蛇English name: Sakishima wolf snakeOrigin: Miyako Islands, Yaeyama Islands Ecology and description This species was originally considered a subspecies of the Red-banded snake (Lycodon rufozonatus), but it has now been elevated to a distinct species. Its pattern is more yellowish compared to the Red-banded snake (Lycodon… Continue reading Sakishima Wolf Snake
Geothelphusa tenuimanus
Species information Scientific name: Geothelphusa tenuimanusJapanese name: ヒメユリサワガニChinese name: 細掌澤蟹English name: Geothelphusa tenuimanusOrigin: Okinawajima Ecology and description Geothelphusa tenuimanus is a rather small freshwater crab with a carapace about 3cm wide. Its walking legs are very long and slender, and its color varies by individual from purple to brown. It lives in the limestone areas… Continue reading Geothelphusa tenuimanus
Owston’s Tree Frog
Species information Scientific name: Zhangixalus owstoniJapanese name: ヤエヤマアオガエルChinese name: 八重山樹蛙English name: Owston’s tree frogOrigin: Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima Ecology and description The breeding season of Zhangixalus owstoni runs from December to April. This species was formerly considered a subspecies of Zhangixalus viridis (Okinawan tree frog), but is now recognized as a distinct species. It is very abundant… Continue reading Owston’s Tree Frog