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: Tokashiki
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
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
Kerama Ground Gecko
Species information Scientific name: Goniurosaurus sengokuiJapanese name: ケラマトカゲモドキChinese name: 慶良間瞼虎English name: Kerama ground geckoOrigin: Tokashikijima, Akajima Ecology and description Kerama ground gecko features about 3–4 light orange transverse bands on its back, and the front half of the body sometimes exhibits longitudinal stripes. Small, lighter-colored spots are usually visible between the bands. The iris is… Continue reading Kerama Ground Gecko
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
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
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
Ryukyu Fishing Spider
Species information Scientific name: Dolomedes orionJapanese name: オオハシリグモChinese name: 大狡蛛English name: Ryukyu fishing spiderOrigin: Tokara Islands, Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Tokashikijima, Kumejima Ecology and description Ryukyu fishing spider is the largest hunting-type spider in Japan, and it hunts by the waterside without building a web. Ryukyu fishing spider lightly touches the water surface with its… Continue reading Ryukyu Fishing Spider
Ryukyu Flycatcher
Species Information Scientific name: Ficedula owstoniJapanese name: リュウキュウキビタキChinese name: 琉球姬鶲English name: Ryukyu flycatcherOrigin: Ryukyu Islands (Osumi Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture ~ Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture) Ecology and Description Previously considered a subspecies of the Narcissus flycatcher (Ficedula narcissina), it is now regarded as an independent species. Sightings on Okinawajima are rare and infrequent. Field… Continue reading Ryukyu Flycatcher