Pyrocoelia matsumurai Japanese name: オキナワマドボタルChinese name: 沖繩窗螢English name: Okinawa Pyrocoelia FireflyOrigin: Some islands of the Okinawa Islands and the Yaeyama Islands Pyrocoelia matsumurai, a species belonging to the genus Pyrocoelia, is divided into the following three subspecies: In the Yambaru region, if you turn off your flashlight near damp roadside ditches, you may be able… Continue reading Okinawa Pyrocoelia Firefly
Tag: Tokashiki
Halcyon Giant Centipede
Scolopendra alcyona Japanese name: リュウジンオオムカデChinese name: 琉神蜈蚣、青龍蜈蚣（TW）English name: Halcyon Giant CentipedeOrigin: Northern Okinawajima, Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima, Kumejima, Tokashikijima, Taiwan This species was described as new in April 2021 ( Reference ), and it is the third known amphibious centipede species in the world. It inhabits stream environments and is known to dive into the water when… Continue reading Halcyon Giant Centipede
Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle
Geoemyda japonica Japanese name: リュウキュウヤマガメChinese name: 琉球黑胸葉龜English name: Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtleOrigin: Northern Okinawajima, Kumejima, Tokashikijima The Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle is closely related to the turtle species Geoemyda spengleri, which is distributed in China and Vietnam. It was once considered a subspecies of G. spengleri but was recognized as a distinct species in 1992.… Continue reading Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle
Holst’s frog
Babina holsti Japanese name: ホルストガエルChinese name: 赫氏拇棘蛙、赫魯斯特蛙、琉球拇棘蛙English name: Holst’s frogDistribution: Northern Okinawajima, Tokashikijima Holst’s frog can grow up to 12 cm in length, making it the largest native frog species in Okinawa. It breeds in summer and is known for its low, dog-like calls. When a rival male is nearby, it produces a unique territorial… Continue reading Holst’s frog
Brown Land Crab
Cardisoma carnifex Japanese Name: ミナミオカガニChinese Name: 凶狠圓軸蟹English Name: Brown Land CrabOrigin: Coastal regions of Southeast Asia bordering the Pacific and Indian Oceans; in Japan, found on islands south of Yoronjima in the Ryukyu Islands. The Brown Land Crab is one of the terrestrial crabs found in the Ryukyu Islands. In recent years, its population has… Continue reading Brown Land Crab
Goodyera hachijoensis
Goodyera hachijoensis var. matsumurana Japanese Name: カゴメランChinese Name: 銀線蓮、假金線蓮English Name: Goodyera hachijoensisOrigin: Izu Islands, Yakushima, Tokara Islands, Okinawa Islands, Amami Oshima, Yaeyama Islands, Taiwan Goodyera hachijoensis has also been recorded from Okinawajima, but the number of individuals is very low, making it an extremely rare plant. Due to frequent illegal collection, strong conservation efforts are… Continue reading Goodyera hachijoensis
Pryer’s Keelback Snake
Hebius pryeri Japanese name: ガラスヒバァChinese name: 沖繩腹鍊蛇English name: Pryer’s Keelback SnakeOrigin: Okinawa Islands, Amami Islands 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, this behavior makes it vulnerable to… Continue reading Pryer’s Keelback Snake
Habu
Protobothrops flavoviridis Japanese Name: ハブChinese Name: 波布、黄綠龜殼花English Name: HabuOrigin: Some islands of the Okinawa Islands and Amami Islands The Habu is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most beautiful and fascinating snakes, yet it is also one of the most venomous and dangerous. It is found on certain islands of the Okinawa and Amami Islands, with its… Continue reading Habu
Okinawa Pitviper
Ovophis okinavensis Japanese Name: ヒメハブChinese Name: 姬波布, 沖繩烙鐵頭English Name: Okinawa Pitviper, HimehabuOrigin: Okinawa Islands (Okinawajima, Iheyajima, Iejima, Kumejima, Tokashikijima), Amami Islands (Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima, Ukejima, Yorojima, Tokunoshima) The Okinawa pitviper is a venomous snake that grows up to 80 cm in length. Its Japanese name, “Himehabu,” includes the word “hime,” meaning “small,” as it is… Continue reading Okinawa Pitviper
Ryukyu Odd-tooth Snake
Lycondon semicarinatum Japanese Name: アカマタChinese Name: 琉球紅斑蛇English Name: Ryukyu Odd-tooth SnakeOrigin: Amami Islands, Okinawa Islands The Ryukyu Odd-tooth Snake is a non-venomous species that can grow up to 170 cm in length. However, juveniles are particularly aggressive. It is one of the most commonly encountered snakes in Yambaru and is sometimes seen on roads feeding… Continue reading Ryukyu Odd-tooth Snake