Macrothele gigas Japanese 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: Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima The genus Macrothele is commonly called “jougogumo” (ジョウゴグモ) in Japanese, a name likely derived from the shape of its web, which resembles a funnel (漏斗, jougo). The following Macrothele species are found in Japan: Although M. gigas and M. yaginumai are… Continue reading Giant Japanese Funnel-web Spider
Category: Spiders, Scorpions & Allies
Amami Whipscorpion
Typopeltis stimpsonii Japanese Name: アマミサソリモドキChinese Name: 奄美鞭蠍English Name: Amami WhipscorpionOrigin: Izena Island, Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima, Tokara Islands, Osumi Islands (Kuchinoerabujima, Iojima, Takeshima), Satsuma Peninsula, Kamikoshikijima This species is endemic to Japan. However, due to human introduction, it has established populations outside its natural range, such as in Ushibuka (Amakusa City) and Hachijojima, where it is… Continue reading Amami Whipscorpion
Taiwan Whipscorpion
Typopeltis crucifer Japanese Name: タイワンサソリモドキChinese Name: 台灣鞭蠍English Name: Taiwan WhipscorpionOrigin: Iheyajima, Okinawajima, Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima, Hatomajima, Kohamajima, Yonagunijima, Taiwan When threatened, the Whipscorpion releases an acidic gas containing acetic acid from the tip of its tail to drive away predators. This species is relatively common on Ishigakijima and Iriomotejima but rarely seen on Okinawajima. Males and… Continue reading Taiwan Whipscorpion