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Japan's westernmost paradise,Munbu Resort on Yonaguni Islandis!
This time, we'll introduce some rare insects unique to Yonaguni Island, nurtured by its subtropical climate. From click beetles that shine like jewels to the elusive stag beetle and even scorpions that are actually harmless, let's take a peek into the tiny world that unfolds at your feet.
1. Rare insects of Yonaguni Island
① The largest moth in Japan, the Atlas moth (Yonaguni moth).
In the island dialect"Ayamihabiru"This is a representative insect of Yonaguni Island, known as [name of insect].
Adults can be seen four times a year: from early April to the end of April, from mid-June to the end of June, mid-August, and mid-October. You can encounter them in various locations on the island, such as Mt. Urabe, Shinkawabana, and Mitsudahara Forest Park.
The lifespan of the adult insect is very short.Because it is a prefecturally designated natural monument, touching it is strictly prohibited even if you find it.It is being done.
② The jewel-like "Nobuoooao Click Beetle"
This click beetle is about 3 cm long, making it one of the larger species in Japan. Adults are active from June to August.
It is characterized by its jewel-like appearance, with its entire body emitting a bluish-green metallic sheen, and its habitat has been confirmed to be in the following locations.Only Yonaguni Island in the worldis.
Due to their beauty, they are sometimes traded at high prices among collectors.Near Threatened species are susceptible to collection pressure.It is designated as a protected area. If you encounter one, please take a picture of it quietly.
③ The Taiwanese giant water strider, which smells like strawberry milk.
A type of whirligig beetle that swims around on the water's surface, in JapanIt inhabits only Yonaguni Island.I am doing it.
It is about twice the size of the whirligig beetle on the mainland, and surprisingly, when you touch it...A sweet scent like strawberry milkIt will release it.
They inhabit slow-flowing streams in the forest and can be seen throughout the year.
④ The ninja-like aquatic insect "Esaki's giant water bug"
This is a type of giant water bug that camouflages itself as a dead leaf underwater and catches prey with its sickle-shaped forelegs. It is about 2 cm long and in Japan, it is found only on Yonaguni Island.
Due to the reclamation of wetlands, the abandonment of rice paddies, and the effects of droughtTheir numbers have decreased significantly in recent years.It is a rare species that can only be found in a few locations on the island.
Outside of Japan, they are widely distributed in Southeast Asia and are considered an important creature in understanding the formation of Yonaguni Island. If you find one, please observe it quietly.
⑤ The Yaeyama scorpion: Safe despite being a scorpion.
Many people may have a frightening image of scorpions, but this species, which is only about 2 cm long,Almost non-toxicAnd because the needles are small, they rarely sting people.
They inhabit almost all of Okinawa Prefecture's islands, and you can occasionally spot them on night tours around the islands. Be sure to look for them!
⑥ There are still many more precious creatures on the island
- The legendary stag beetle "Yonaguni Marubane Stag Beetle" is prohibited from being collected (it appears around November and is a rare wild animal and plant species in Japan).
- The sapphire-blue "Blue Long-tailed Damselfly" gracefully dances in the clear stream.
- The "Blue Land Snail," a cute forest fairy with a green shell and pink cheeks.
- The snail "Donan Okachigusa" is found only on Yonaguni Island in the world.
2. Points to keep in mind when searching for insects
To protect the island's natural environment, please be sure to keep the following points in mind when exploring.
- There are areas where collecting is prohibited, such as around Mt. Kubura and Mt. Urabe, and parts of Hikawa Beach.
- Yonaguni moth, Yonaguni stag beetle, etc.Species prohibited from collectionwhere
- Even if a species is not protected from collection, avoid over-collection and excessive contact, and observe it quietly.
3. How about using "Munbu Stay" as a base for your insect hunting?
Searching for insects by walking around forests and wetlands is more physically demanding than you might think. It's important to have a comfortable place to rest."Munbu Stay"It is available at [website/platform name].
① Enjoy a peaceful island time at "Munbu Stay Nanta Beach"
This is a new accommodation on Yonaguni Island that opened in April 2025. All guest rooms are detached buildings, so you can relax without worrying about your surroundings.You can spread out and organize your belongings and collecting tools.This is a welcome feature for those returning from insect hunting.
Just a three-minute walk from the hotel is Nanta Beach, with its beautiful white sand, perfect for cooling off after fieldwork with a refreshing sea breeze. Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, making it convenient for organizing your records of insects you encountered that day.
② Conveniently located near island shops: "Munbu Stay Sonai"
Located in Sonai, the largest settlement on the island, its strength lies in the fact that shops and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk.Stocking up on drinks and snacks before the night tourIt's also smooth.
It offers good access to insect-hunting spots like Mt. Urabe, making it ideal for those who want to go out for early morning or nighttime observations.
③ "Munbu Stay Hikawahama" as a base for exploring the southern part of the island.
It is a relatively new hotel that opened in July 2024.Hikawa Beach and very close to the filming locations of "Dr. Koto's Clinic"It is located here.Higawa Regional Cooperative StoreIt's also conveniently located just a 5-minute walk away, making it easy to do some shopping before or after exploring the southern area.
For dinner, you can enjoy dishes made with local island ingredients at the affiliated "Yonaguni Island Munbu Kitchen," and there's also a free shuttle service, so you can relax even if you're tired from exploring.
④ On the day of arrival and departure from the island, check in at "Munbu Stay Airport Front".
Located in an excellent location just a 1-minute walk from Yonaguni Airport,Directly connected to Munbu Rent-a-CarTherefore, you can head out to the field immediately upon arrival.
The property also includes a restaurant called "Munbu Kitchen." It's a great place to relax and enjoy the island's atmosphere until your flight on your last day of insect hunting.
4. Summary
Yonaguni Island offers not only beautiful seas and magnificent scenery, but also grassy areas, forests, and waterfronts."A tiny life that can only be found here"It is still alive and well.
When you find something, don't take it home. Instead, take a picture of it to cherish the memory, and enjoy your trip while respecting the island's rules and nature.
At Munbu Resort, you can enjoy a stay where you can feel close to the nature of Yonaguni Island.
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