Species information Scientific name: Polyura eudamippusJapanese name: フタオチョウChinese name: 雙尾蛺蝶English name: Great nawabOrigin: Southern, Eastern, and Western China, Taiwan, Japan (only on Okinawajima) Ecology and description Great nawab is distributed only on Okinawajima in Japan, where it is designated as a natural monument of Okinawa Prefecture. The great nawab flies at high speeds and chases… Continue reading Great Nawab
Tag: Okinawajima
Yambaru Flatwig
Species information Scientific name: Rhipidolestes shozoiJapanese name: ヤンバルトゲオトンボChinese name: 山原蹣蟌、山原扇山蟌English name: Yambaru flatwigOrigin: Northern Okinawajima Ecology and description Yambaru flatwig is a small damselfly with a body length of about 4 cm. It was previously considered a part of the Okinawa flatwig (Rhipidolestes okinawanus) population. However, the population in northern Okinawa has now been recognized… Continue reading Yambaru Flatwig
Yambaru Ground Gecko
Species information Scientific name: Goniurosaurus nebulozonatusJapanese name: ヤンバルトカゲモドキChinese name: 山原瞼虎English name: Yambaru ground geckoOrigin: Northern Okinawajima Ecology and description This species was identified as a new species in a 2024 report, distinguishing it from Kuroiwa’s ground gecko (G. kuroiwae). It is found in the Yambaru region of northern Okinawajima. The dorsal crossbands of this gecko… Continue reading Yambaru Ground Gecko
Yambaru Giant Slug
Species information Scientific name: Meghimatium sp.Japanese name: ヤンバルヤマナメクジChinese name: Yambaru山蛞蝓English name: Yambaru giant slugOrigin: Endemic (sub)species in the Yambaru area, Okinawajima? Ecology and description Yambaru giant slug is a common slug found in the forests of northern Okinawajima. Its body length can reach up to about 15 cm. It is typically light brown and commonly… Continue reading Yambaru Giant Slug
Japanese Silk Moth
Species information Scientific name: Antheraea yamamai yambaruJapanese name: ヤママユ（沖縄亜種）Chinese name: 大透目天蠶蛾（沖繩亞種）English name: Japanese silk mothOrigin: It is distributed in Korea, parts of China, Taiwan, and Japan. In Japan, it is found from Hokkaido to Okinawa, while this subspecies is restricted to Okinawajima. Ecology and description The Japanese silk moth (Antheraea yamamai) in Japan is classified… Continue reading Japanese Silk Moth
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
Pseudogagrella amamiana
Species information Scientific name: Pseudogagrella amamianaJapanese name: ギンボシザトウムシChinese name: 奄美偽盾刺盲蛛English name: Pseudogagrella amamianaOrigin: Southern Kyushu, Yakushima, Amami Islands, Okinawa Islands Ecology and description This species is the most common harvestman from southern Kyushu to the Okinawa Islands. Its back has a bluish-green sheen with a central spine. Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation… Continue reading Pseudogagrella amamiana
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
Brown-winged Tiger Spiketail
Species information Scientific name: Chlorogomphus brunneusJapanese name: カラスヤンマChinese name: 褐翅斑蜓、褐翅裂唇蜓English name: Brown-winged tiger spiketailOrigin: Japan (Shikoku, Kyushu), Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Kerama Islands Ecology and description This species is a large dragonfly. Males have nearly transparent wings, while females have deep brown wings and are often seen flying swiftly in the upper reaches of streams.… Continue reading Brown-winged Tiger Spiketail
Oshima Cicada
Species information Scientific name: Meimuna oshimensisJapanese name: オオシマゼミChinese name: 大島寒蟬English name: Oshima cicadaOrigin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Kumejima Ecology and description Oshima cicada is the most representative autumn cicada in Yambaru and is the largest species among the Japanese Meimuna. Its habitat ranges from Amami Oshima to Okinawajima, with the specific name Oshimensis referring to… Continue reading Oshima Cicada