Species information
Scientific name: 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, Amami Oshima
Ecology and description
This species belongs to the genus Tricholontha within the Melolonthidae family. Male individuals have large lamellate antennae, and the Japanese name ケブカ (meaning “hairy”) refers to the many short hairs on their elytra.
This species has two subspecies:
- Tricholontha papagena papagena: Found on Okinawajima
- Tricholontha papagena inouei: Found on Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima
The larvae of this species feed on the roots of Ryukyu bamboo (Pleioblastus linearis) and have a biennial occurrence. In Okinawajima, this happens from late November of even-numbered years to January of the following year. Male individuals are attracted to light and may fly toward flashlights or car headlights. Female individuals lack the lamellate antennae and are rarely observed, possibly because they do not move to seek males. I was fortunate to observe one female in December 2024.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
During our 【Herping】 tour in occurrence years, we have the opportunity to see this species.
