Species information
Scientific name: Serrognathus titanus okinawanus
Japanese name: オキナワヒラタクワガタ
Chinese name: 沖繩扁鍬形蟲、沖繩扁鍬
English name: Okinawa giant stag beetle
Origin: Okinawajima, Iheyajima, Iejima, Kourijima, Minnajima, Sesokojima, Hamahigajima, Tsukenjima, Tokashikijima, Zamamijima, Akajima, Gerumajima, Kumejima
Ecology and description
The Giant Stag Beetle Serrognathus titanus is widely distributed across Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Southeast Asia, with 12 subspecies recorded in Japan. The Okinawa Giant Stag Beetle is one of these subspecies, inhabiting Okinawajima and nearby islands. Males measure about 3–6.5 cm, while females range from 2.5–4 cm. Although not the largest among the subspecies, they are commonly seen in forests during summer.
Reference:
https://biodiversity.okinawa/video_pages/reference/okinawahiratakuwagata.html
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
This species is not a rare species on Okinawa Island. While spotted occasionally in winter, encounters are more frequent in summer. It can be observed during the 【Herping】 tour, but collecting is prohibited as the trails are within a National Park.
