Species information
Scientific name: Orisarma intermedium
Japanese name: ベンケイガニ
Chinese name: 中型東方相手蟹
English name: Red flower crab
Origin: Korea; Pacific side south of Chiba Prefecture and Japan Sea side south of Akita Prefecture in Japan; northern, eastern, and Hengchun Peninsula in Taiwan
Ecology and description
On summer nights in Yambaru, red flower crabs are often seen on the roads. Although this species is adapted to terrestrial environments, they still need to return to the sea to release their larvae. Female crabs are often seen struggling to cross road barriers in an attempt to return to the shore. According to local elders in Yambaru, there used to be countless crabs along the riverside roads at night, creating a spectacular sight. In recent years, due to the increase in roadkills, the number of this species has significantly decreased, and such scenes of abundant crabs are no longer seen.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
These crabs are commonly seen along the routes during our 【Night Birding】 tours in the summer.
