Species information Scientific name: Zhangixalus amamiensisJapanese name: アマミアオガエルChinese name: 奄美樹蛙English name: Amami tree frogOrigin: Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima, Ukejima, Yoroshima, Tokunoshima Ecology and description The Amami tree frog was originally classified as a subspecies of the Okinawa tree frog (Zhangixalus viridis). However, following genetic research and morphological analysis, it was elevated to a distinct species. In… Continue reading Amami Tree Frog
Tag: AmamiOshima
Amami Rabbit
Species information Scientific name: Pentalagus furnessiJapanese name: アマミノクロウサギChinese name: 奄美黑兔、琉球兔、奄美短耳兔English name: Amami rabbitOrigin: Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima Ecology and description Amami rabbit is the only species in the genus Pentalagus. It has short ears and claws suitable for digging. It is exclusively found on Tokunoshima and Amami Oshima. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on various plants. Currently,… Continue reading Amami Rabbit
Otton Frog
Species information Scientific name: Babina subasperaJapanese name: オットンガエルChinese name: 隆背拇棘蛙、奧頓蛙English name: Otton frogOrigin: Amami Oshima, Kakemaru Island Ecology and description The specific name subaspera of Otton frog means raised, referring to the protrusions on its back. The Japanese common name “Otton” means “giant” in the Amami dialect. Male Otton frog can reach a length of… Continue reading Otton Frog
Amami Whipscorpion
Species information Scientific name: Typopeltis stimpsoniiJapanese name: アマミサソリモドキChinese name: 奄美鞭蠍English name: Amami whipscorpionOrigin: Iheyajima, Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima, Tokara Islands, Osumi Islands (Kuchinoerabujima, Iojima, Takeshima), Satsuma Peninsula, Kami-Koshikijima Ecology and description The whipscorpion releases an acidic gas containing acetic acid from its tail as a defense against predators. This species is endemic to Japan but has… Continue reading Amami Whipscorpion
Ryukyu Melolonthidae Scarab Beetles
Species information Scientific name: Tricholontha papagenaJapanese name: ケブカコフキコガネChinese name: 多毛粉吹金龜English name: Ryukyu Melolonthidae Scarab BeetlesOrigin: 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.… Continue reading Ryukyu Melolonthidae Scarab Beetles
Hallowell’s tree frog
Species information Scientific name: Hyla hallowelliiJapanese name: ハロウエルアマガエルChinese name: 哈氏樹蟾、哈氏雨蛙English name: Hallowell’s tree frogOrigin: Okinawajima, Amami Islands Ecology and description The name Hallowell’s tree frog honors Edward Hallowell, a physician from Philadelphia and amateur naturalist who described many Japanese amphibians and reptiles in the 19th century. Males call and breed from March to June during… Continue reading Hallowell’s tree frog
Ryukyu Stream Cricket
Species information Scientific name: Vescelia pieli ryukyuensisJapanese name: リュウキュウサワマツムシChinese name: 琉球擬亮蟋、比爾擬亮蟋琉球亞種、皮爾氏亮蟋琉球亞種English name: Ryukyu stream cricketOrigin: Amamioshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Kumejima, Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima Ecology and description In streamside environments of Okinawajima and other islands, the clear and high-pitched calls of the Ryukyu stream cricket can often be heard. These sounds are courtship calls produced by males rubbing… Continue reading Ryukyu Stream Cricket
Ryukyu Golden Emperor Moth
Species information Scientific name: Loepa sakaeiJapanese name: ハグルマヤママユChinese name: 琉球黃豹天蠶蛾English name: Ryukyu Golden Emperor MothOrigin: Okinawajima, Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima Ecology and description This species is a very beautiful large moth with a wingspan of about 8 cm. It can be seen from March to October, but it is rare and not often encountered. The larvae… Continue reading Ryukyu Golden Emperor Moth
Ryukyu Matrona damselfly
Species information Scientific name: Matrona japonicaJapanese name: リュウキュウハグロトンボChinese name: 琉球羽黑蜻蛉、琉球單脈色蟌English name: Ryukyu Matrona damselflyOrigin: Okinawajima, Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima Ecology and description Ryukyu Matrona damselfly is a common large damselfly species in the Yambaru area. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Matrona basilaris found in China and other regions, but has since been recognized as a… Continue reading Ryukyu Matrona damselfly
Pryer’s Keelback Snake
Species information Scientific name: Hebius pryeriJapanese name: ガラスヒバァChinese name: 普氏腹鍊蛇、沖繩腹鍊蛇English name: Pryer’s keelback snakeOrigin: Okinawa Islands, Amami Islands Ecology and description Pryer’s keelback snake primarily feeds on frogs. It is often found near streams, irrigation channels, and rice paddies, and is commonly seen on roads during or after rain, where it scavenges road-killed frogs. Unfortunately,… Continue reading Pryer’s Keelback Snake