Species information Scientific name: Nephila pilipesJapanese name: オオジョロウグモChinese name: 人面蜘蛛、斑絡新婦English name: Giant golden orb weaverOrigin: Japan (Ryukyu Islands south of Amami Oshima), Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Papua New Guinea, Australia Ecology and description The giant golden orb weaver is the largest spider in Japan. Females are 3.5–5 cm long, while males are only… Continue reading Giant golden orb weaver
Tag: Iriomote
Amur goby
Species information Scientific name: Rhinogobius brunneusJapanese name: クロヨシノボリChinese name: 褐吻鰕虎English name: Amur gobyOrigin: Japan (Honshu to the Ryukyu Islands), Korea, Taiwan, China Ecology and description This species lives in the middle and upper reaches of streams. The total length is about 6-10cm, and it usually rests on stones on the bottom. It may be a… Continue reading Amur goby
Ryukyu Wild Boar
Species information Scientific name: Sus scrofa riukiuanusJapanese name: リュウキュウイノシシ、ヤマシシ（國頭方言）Chinese name: 琉球野豬English name: Ryukyu wild boarOrigin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, northern Okinawajima, Ishigaki, and Iriomote. Ecology and description Ryukyu wild boar is a subspecies of the wild boar (Sus scrofa) endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. In addition to some islands, Ryukyu wild boar is an… Continue reading Ryukyu Wild Boar
Orestes Japonicus
Species information Scientific name: Orestes japonicusJapanese name: コブナナフシChinese name: 日本瘤竹節蟲English name: Orestes japonicusOrigin: Found in the Ryukyu Islands Ecology and description Many species in the family of stick insects reproduce parthenogenetically, meaning females can lay eggs and produce offspring without mating with males. However, males of Orestes japonicus are often observed and they reproduce sexually.… Continue reading Orestes Japonicus
Mogannia Minuta
Species information Scientific name: Mogannia minutaJapanese name: イワサキクサゼミChinese name: 姬草蟬English name: Mogannia minutaOrigin: Okinawajima, Kudakajima, Miyakojima, Tarama, Ishigaki, Taketomi, Kuro, Kohama, Aragusuku, Iriomote, Hateruma, Hatoma, Yonaguni, Taiwan Ecology and description Mogannia minuta is approximately 1.5 cm in body length, making it the smallest cicada in Japan. It is also one of the earliest cicadas to… Continue reading Mogannia Minuta
Shining Leptopoma
Species information Scientific name: Leptopoma nitidumJapanese name: アオミオカタニシChinese name: 青山蝸牛English name: Shining LeptopomaOrigin: Ryukyu Islands south of the Amami Islands, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea Ecology and description Shining Leptopoma is a common snail in the Ryukyu Islands, easily found in secondary forest environments. Although it looks like a snail, it is taxonomically a terrestrial gastropod.… Continue reading Shining Leptopoma
Common House Gecko
Species information Scientific name: Hemidactylus frenatusJapanese name: ホオグロヤモリChinese name: 疣尾蜥虎English name: Common house geckoOrigin: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In Japan, it is distributed in the Ryukyu Islands south of Amami Oshima but can potentially move to other areas along with household furniture. Ecology and description Common house gecko is the most common gecko in… Continue reading Common House Gecko
Forest Quaker
Species information Scientific name: Pithecops corvusJapanese name: リュウキュウウラボシシジミChinese name: 黑丸灰蝶English name: Forest Quaker, Pithecops corvusOrigin: Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan. In Japan, it is only found on Okinawajima and Iriomote. Ecology and description Forest Quaker is a small lycaenid butterfly, characterized by a black circular spot on its hindwings. The larvae feed on plants of… Continue reading Forest Quaker
Ryukyu Blue Banded Bee
Species information Scientific name: Amegilla calceiferaJapanese name: アオスジコシブトハナバチChinese name: 甜無墊蜂English name: Ryukyu blue banded beeOrigin: Amami Oshima to Yonaguni Ecology and description Ryukyu blue banded bee has striking blue stripes on its abdomen and does not build beehives. Male bees rest at night by clamping onto branches with their mandibles. Field photographs taken during our… Continue reading Ryukyu Blue Banded Bee
Grey-faced Buzzard
Species information Scientific name: Butastur indicusJapanese name: サシバChinese name: 灰面鵟鷹、灰面鷲English name: Grey-faced BuzzardOrigin: Breeds in Russia, China, Korea, and Honshu, Japan. Migrates to Southeast Asia for winter. Ecology and description Grey-faced Buzzard migrates through the Ryukyu Islands from breeding grounds in Honshu, Japan, and other regions, heading to Southeast Asia by early October. Flocks of… Continue reading Grey-faced Buzzard