Tricholontha papagena
Japanese Name: ケブカコフキコガネ
Chinese Name: 多毛粉吹金龜
English Name: Ryukyu Melolonthidae Scarab Beetles
Origin: Okinawajima, Tokunoshima, Amamioshima
This species belongs to the genus Tricholontha in the scarab subfamily Melolonthinae. Males have large, comb-like (lamellate) antennae. The Japanese common name Kebuka (meaning “hairy”) refers to the dense short hairs on the elytra.
There are two recognized subspecies:
- Tricholontha papagena papagena : found on Okinawajima
- Tricholontha papagena inouei : found on Amamioshima and Tokunoshima
Larvae feed on the roots of Ryukyu arrow bamboo (Pleioblastus linearis) and have a biennial life cycle. In Okinawajima, adults typically appear from late November to January of even-numbered years. Males are attracted to light and may fly toward flashlights or vehicle headlights. Females lack lamellate antennae and are rarely observed, possibly because they remain stationary and do not actively seek males. I was fortunate to observe a female in December 2024.
