Species information
Scientific name: Mogannia minuta
Japanese name: イワサキクサゼミ
Chinese name: 姬草蟬
English name: Mogannia minuta
Origin: 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 begin calling in Japan, usually heard around March.
In the central and southern parts of Okinawa, sugarcane is widely cultivated, and Mogannia minuta feeds on the sap of plants like sugarcane. Therefore, there is a chance to observe this species in sugarcane fields. However, in the open fields, Mogannia minuta is barely larger than a fly, making it very difficult to spot.
When searching for Mogannia minuta, it is usually necessary to first carefully identify the direction of its call, then follow the sound. If it rests in a high position, it may still be challenging to observe directly.
Reference: Okinawa Cicadas, Shinsei Publishing
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
