Species information
Scientific name: Graptopsaltria bimaculata
Japanese name: リュウキュウアブラゼミ
Chinese name: 琉球油蟬
English name: Ryukyu large brown cicada
Origin: Okinawajima and surrounding islands, Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima, Tokunoshima
Ecology and description
Ryukyu large brown cicada is an endemic species found on the Central Ryukyu islands, including the Amami Islands and the Okinawa Islands. The patterns of populations in the Okinawa Islands and Amami Islands slightly differ.
The Ryukyu large brown cicada is arguably the most easily recognizable cicada in Okinawa. If you see a brown-winged cicada in Okinawa, it must be this species, as the wings of other cicadas on Okinawajima are transparent.
Reference: “Cicadas of Okinawa” (Shinsei Publishing)
University of the Ryukyus Museum, Fujukan: Calls
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
We often see this species in the Yambaru region from June to October. You can find it resting on tree trunks during daytime 【Forest Walk】 by following its calls, and you may witness its emergence during night-time 【Herping】.
Sep 9, 2022, Emergence Record of Ryukyu Large Brown Cicada
After emergence, the wings of Ryukyu large brown cicada are initially white and gradually turn brown over time. Unfortunately, we were not able to observe the color change this time, so we’re unsure how long it takes.
The abdomen section of the Ryukyu large brown cicada’s exuviae, which appears more rounded, indicates it is a male. In females, the section would have an ovipositor, making it appear smaller.
