Species information
Scientific name: Riukiaria holstii
Japanese name: ホルストアマビコヤスデ
Chinese name: 霍氏琉球帶馬陸
English name: Riukiaria holstii
Origin: Okinawajima
Ecology and description
Riukiaria holstii is a large millipede of the family Xystodesmidae, about 5 cm long. On Okinawajima, the northern and southern populations differ in color and body size.
It is nocturnal and active in the forests of Yambaru after sunset, and is easier to find in autumn, when the temperature cools. Under a UV light, its body surface glows bluish-white.
References: Small Neighbors’ World, Curious Okinawa, Riukiaria taxonomic checklist (Zenodo)
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
This species is occasionally seen during our 【Forest Walk】 or 【Herping】 tours.
