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: Okinawajima
Riukiaria pugionifera
Species information Scientific name: Riukiaria pugioniferaJapanese name: オキナワアマビコヤスデChinese name: 沖繩琉球帶馬陸English name: Riukiaria pugioniferaOrigin: Okinawajima Ecology and description Riukiaria pugionifera is endemic to Okinawajima and belongs to the genus Riukiaria. It is 6–9 cm long and is the largest millipede on Okinawajima. Its body is mostly yellow to orange with black transverse bands, and the color… Continue reading Riukiaria pugionifera
Riukiaria holstii
Species information Scientific name: Riukiaria holstiiJapanese name: ホルストアマビコヤスデChinese name: 霍氏琉球帶馬陸English name: Riukiaria holstiiOrigin: Okinawajima Ecology and description Riukiaria holstii is a large millipede of the family Xystodesmidae, about 5 cm long. On Okinawajima, the northern and southern populations differ in color and body size. It is nocturnal and active in the forests of Yambaru after… Continue reading Riukiaria holstii
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
Varied tit (Amami subspecies)
Species information Scientific name: Sittiparus varius amamiiJapanese name: アマミヤマガラChinese name: 雜色山雀（奄美亞種）English name: Varied tit (Amami subspecies)Origin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Gajajima in the Tokara Islands Ecology and description The Amami subspecies of the varied tit (Sittiparus varius amamii) is found on Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, and Gajajima in the Tokara Islands. Other subspecies occur elsewhere… Continue reading Varied tit (Amami subspecies)
Asian tit (Okinawa subspecies)
Species information Scientific name: Parus cinereus okinawaeJapanese name: オキナワシジュウカラChinese name: 白頰山雀（沖繩亞種）、遠東山雀（沖繩亞種）English name: Asian tit (Okinawa subspecies)Origin: Okinawajima, Yagajijima, Zamamijima Ecology and description The Okinawa subspecies of the Asian tit (Parus cinereus okinawae) is found on Okinawajima, Yagajijima and Zamamijima. Other subspecies occur elsewhere in Japan: the nominate subspecies P. c. minor on mainland Japan, P.… Continue reading Asian tit (Okinawa subspecies)
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
Taiwan Cherry
Species information Scientific name: Prunus campanulataJapanese name: カンヒザクラ、ヒガンザクラChinese name: 山櫻花、寒緋櫻English name: Taiwan cherryOrigin: Southern China, Taiwan, Ishigaki Ecology and description Taiwan cherry, also known Kanhizakura in Japan, has small populations on Ishigaki where it is designated as a national natural monument. On Okinawajima, Taiwan cherry is cultivated and planted in various locations. Popular cherry blossom… Continue reading Taiwan Cherry