Microhyla okinavensis
Japanese Name: ヒメアマガエル
Chinese Name: 沖繩小雨蛙、沖繩飾紋姬蛙
English Name: Okinawa Narrow-mouthed Frog
Origin: Amami Islands, Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands
The Okinawa Narrow-mouthed Frog, originally classified under the South Asian species M. ornata, was later found through phylogenetic studies in 2005 to be separate from Taiwan’s population, which was classified as M. fissipes. The Ryukyu Islands population was then recognized as M. okinavensis. A 2020 study further separated the population from the Yaeyama Islands as M. kuramotoi. Currently, the distribution range of this species spans the Amami Islands, Okinawa Islands, and Miyako Islands. The frogs breed in summer (from March to July), and males can be heard calling loudly, especially on rainy days. However, they are small and often hidden under fallen leaves or mud, making them difficult to find.
Tadpoles are translucent, with their eyes positioned on either side of the head, making them easily distinguishable from other tadpoles.
If you want to observe this species…
I recommend joining a Herping Tour from March to April! It’s easier to spot them on rainy days!
Herping
- Mainly guided on the trails of Yambaru Discovery Forest. Guests who book multiple nights will guide on other locations.
- Observing animals such as newts, frogs and snakes at pond and stream.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Fee: 5,000 JPY per person (including entrance fee)