Monthly Archives: May 2007

Cystidia Moth

Posted on May 21, 2007 by Nigel

Found in the grounds of Fukuoka Women’s University. This moth is not a good flier and is therefore presumably poisonous (if eaten by birds I mean), hence the bright colors. I couldn’t find a common name for this species, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Insects, Lepidoptera | 1 Comment

Owl Silkmoth Caterpillar

Posted on May 14, 2007 by Nigel

I found this incredible caterpillar on a tree at the side of a popular jogging track next to Nagatani Dam in Kashii, Fukuoka. What a beaut!! Lepidoptera: Brahmaeidae Brahmaea japonica Japanese Owl Silkmoth = ibotaga Location: Nagatani Dam, Kashii, Fukuoka … Continue reading →

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Dragonfly catches butterfly

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Nigel

On top of Mt Yukawa. This big dragonfly zoomed in and grabbed a butterfly right in front of my eyes. Very impressive! I took a few photos but the dragonfly flew off, still carrying the butterfly. About half an hour … Continue reading →

Posted in Insects, Lepidoptera, Odonata | 2 Comments

Hiking up Mt. Yukawa

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Nigel

Mt. Yukawa (471m) is the mountain that stands between our home and the sea. I’d climbed it a few times before, but Shinobu and the kids had never been up, so we decided to drive to the upper trailhead and … Continue reading →

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Hwamei

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Nigel

This bird is called a Melodious Laughingthrush or Hwamei, which comes from the Chinese for “painted eyebrow.” According to the research article below, it’s one of the most popular pet species in China. Biodiversity research: Wildlife Trade in Southern China. … Continue reading →

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Gourd Leaf Beetle

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Nigel

The Japanese name for this beetle is “Uri” (gourd) Leaf Beetle because of the shape. Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae Aulacophora indica “Uri” (gourd) Leaf Beetle = uri-hamushi Location: In our garden.

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Catching ants

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Nigel

We gave Aya an “antquarium” for her birthday and she wanted to catch some ants to put in it, so we went into the forest to find some. We found a nest and she collected ten or so ants. Once … Continue reading →

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Pterolophia granulata

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Nigel

This tiny (8mm) longhorn was on a leaf in the garden and at first I thought it was a weevil. Then I looked a bit closer and saw the long antennae. It would be almost impossible to spot on tree … Continue reading →

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White-tipped sawfly

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Nigel

This species of sawfly (shimajiro kuro habachi) seems to be pretty common, jumping from leaf to leaf hunting for prey. It is easy to identify with the distinctive white tips to its antennae and a white/yellow spot on its thorax. … Continue reading →

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Wild strawberries

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Nigel

There are so many wild strawberries (no-ichigo) in our local area. It’s always nice to be able to eat them when going for a stroll…

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