Species information
Scientific name: Melanabropsis yanbarensis
Japanese name: ヤンバルクロギリス
Chinese name: 山原烏黯螽
English name: Yambaru chevron cricket
Origin: Okinawajima, Kumejima
Ecology and description
The Yambaru chevron cricket lives in the old-growth forests of Okinawajima and Kumejima. It is about 32–39 mm long, nocturnal, and hides in tree hollows during the day. It occurs near large Itajii chinkapin trees (Castanopsis sieboldii) that are old enough to form hollows, so seeing one means primary forest is nearby.
In November 2022 in Ogimi, we photographed one holding an Itajii chinkapin nut in its jaws. It may eat the nuts, but we have not seen it actually feeding. Its diet is still unresolved.
Reference:
ヤンバルクロギリス orthoptera-jp
ヤンバルクロギリス バッタ研究室
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
You may see this species on our 【Herping】 tours from August to October.
