Tokunoshima World Heritage Center
Spark of life: Miniature landscape gardenWeb Encyclopedia

Passeriformes / Family: MuscicapidaeRyukyu robin

It feeds on worms and insect larvae. In the diorama, a female appears to be searching for food.

Anura / Family: MicrohylidaeOkinawa narrow-mouthed toad

It has a large, well-developed vocal sac in its throat, allowing it to produce loud calls of “gee-ko” and “griiih.” In the diorama, a male can be seen trying to entice females.

Anura / Family: RhacophoridaeAmami green tree frog

During the breeding season, males sing beautifully with a call like "kya-raaah." In the diorama, a male is singing in an attempt to attract a female.

Orthoptera / Family: EneopteridaeCardiodactylus guttulus

It lives on grasses and trees, feeding on their leaves. In the diorama, it appears to be clinging to a tree root.

Coleoptera / Family: LucanidaeDorcus metacostatus

It is nocturnal, gathering around the sap of Castanopsis, oaks, Mallotus japonicus, and other trees, and is also attracted to light. In the diorama, it can be seen around the sap.

Stylommatophora / Family: CamaenidaeSatsuma tokunoshimana

It is fairly common and found from the outskirts of settlements to deep forests. In the diorama, it can be seen creeping along a leaf.

Anura / Family: RanidaeAmami tip-nosed frog

In Tokunoshima, it thrives in a wide range of habitats, from accessible secondary forests to deep mountain forests, feeding mainly on ground-dwelling insects. In the diorama, it appears to be feeding on a cricket species, Cardiodactylus guttulus.

Passeriformes / Family: PycnonotidaeBrown-eared bulbul

It calls to one another with well-projected "kwee" and "pee-oo" sounds. In the diorama, it also appears to be singing actively.

FagaceaeQuercus glauca var. amamiana

In the diorama, it grows holding onto a limestone boulder.

RubiaceaeLasianthus verticillatus

In the diorama, it bears black fruits in winter.

AthyriaceaeDiplazium megaphylum

In the diorama, it grows lushly in a limestone creek bed.

RosaceaeTaiwanese photinia

In the diorama, it thrives within a limestone forest.

TectariaceaeTectaria fauriei

In the diorama, it takes root on a limestone boulder.

TectariaceaeTectaria decurrens

In the diorama, it grows along with other limestone-favoring plants.

PteridaceaePteris formosana

In the diorama, its leaves drape from a limestone cliff.

OrchidaceaeGoodyera clavata

In the diorama, it clusters with Ophiorrhiza japonica in a limestone area.

RubiaceaeOphiorrhiza japonica

PteridaceaePteris nipponica

ArecaceaeFormosa palm

AraceaeArisaema heterocephalum subsp. majus

In the diorama, it blooms vigorously in winter.

FlagellariaceaeFlagellaria indica

In the diorama, you can see its leaves draping down from overhead.

Coraciiformes / Family: AlcedinidaeRuddy kingfisher

It captures and eats small creatures such as crabs, lizards, frogs, earthworms, insects, centipedes, and fish. In the diorama, it appears to be targeting something at the waterside.

Squamata / Family: ColubridaeRyukyu odd-tooth snake

It preys on a wide range of creatures, primarily reptiles like lizards and snakes, but also other vertebrates including fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. In the diorama, it can be seen swallowing a habu viper.

Anura / Family: RanidaeAmami tip-nosed frog

In Tokunoshima, the breeding season occurs from late December to early January, when they gather simultaneously in calm pools of fast-flowing streams to spawn. In the diorama, a pair in a mating embrace and calling males can also be observed.

Squamata / Family: ViperidaeHime habu viper

While it preys on a variety of vertebrates, including fish, frogs play a particularly important role in its diet. In the diorama, it seems to be targeting an Amami tip-nosed frog.

Anura / Family: RanidaeAmami brown frog

Peaking from November to January, it spawns in calm pools of streams and puddles. In the diorama, they can be seen gathering for breeding.

Squamata / Family: ColubridaePryer’s keelback snake

Favoring frogs, it also feeds on frogspawn and tadpoles. In the diorama, it appears to have come to the stream in search of frogs.

Perciformes / Family: GobiidaeRhinogobius sp.

Although it primarily feeds on aquatic insects, it is also thought to consume attached algae. In the diorama, it can be seen ambushing its prey.

Odonata / Family: RhipidolestidaeRhipidolestes amamiensis tokunoshimensis

Males establish territories and wait for females to arrive for mating. During territorial disputes, they exhibit a behavior of displaying their red legs. In the diorama, you can observe a mating pair.

Odonata / Family: PlatycnemididaeCoeliccia ryukyuensis amamii

As seen in the diorama, during spawning, males remain connected in a tandem position, standing upright to guard females from other males.

Odonata / Family: CalopterygidaeMatrona japonica

Males claim territories and perch on waterside plants, waiting for females. In the diorama as well, a male can be seen awaiting a potential mate.

Odonata / Family: AeshnidaeAeschnophlebia milnei naica

Active at dawn and dusk, it rests hanging from tree twigs during the day. In the diorama, a male can also be seen resting.

Odonata / Family: ChlorogomphidaeChlorogomphus brunneus costalis

Females lay eggs in headstreams. In the diorama, a female can be observed hanging from a twig..

Coleoptera / Family: GyrinidaeDineutus mellyi insularis

Gliding along the water surface, it dives underwater when sensing danger. In the diorama, it can be seen actively skimming around.

Araneae / Family: PisauridaeOkinawan fishing spider

It captures fish and tadpoles by sensing vibrations in the water. In the diorama, it can be seen lying in wait for its prey, with its legs extended across the water's surface.

Decapoda / Family: PotamidaeAmamiku amamensis

Freshwater crabs spend their larval stage within the egg, hatching in a form already resembling adults. In the diorama, it can be observed carrying eggs beneath its body.

Decapoda / Family: PotamidaeGeothelphusa obtusipes

It dwells beneath stones or in burrows dug at the bottom of streams. Rarely venturing onto land, this freshwater crab is one of the most elusive on the island. Yet in the diorama, it can be observed in the water.

Decapoda / Family: PotamidaeGeothelphusa sakamotoana

As an omnivore, it feeds on insects, earthworms, and fallen leaves. In the diorama, it appears to be eating an acorn.

Cetartiodactyla / Family: SuidaeRyukyu wild boar

This omnivore feeds on plants like seeds and fruits, as well as animals such as insects, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents. In the diorama, a mother and her young seem to have come to the stream in search of crabs.

Passeriformes / Family: ZosteropidaeZosterops japonicus loochooensis

It primarily feeds on insects, spiders, fruits, and nectar while perched in trees. It can also be seen near settlements, and when cherry blossoms are in bloom, flocks of them are often observed sipping nectar. In the diorama, it perches on a twig.

Squamata / Family: EublepharidaeBanded ground gecko

It wanders on the ground at night, feeding on worms and insects. In the diorama, it appears to be searching for its prey.

AristolochiaceaeAsarum leucosepalum

In the diorama, it blooms with stunning white flowers.

DryopteridaceaeArachniodes sporadosora

ThelypteridaceaeThelypteris triphylla

PrimulaceaeArdisia quinquegona

LythraceaeTaiwan crepe myrtle

In the diorama, you can observe its distinctive bark along the stream.

MelanthiaceaeHeloniopsis leucantha

In the diorama, it blooms quietly yet elegantly along the winter stream.

LamiaceaeSalvia pygmaea var. pygmaea

In the diorama, it blooms with white flowers atop a rock by the stream.

FagaceaeCastanopsis

In the diorama, it towers above and provides a home for animals.

OrchidaceaeSedirea japonica

In the diorama, it anchors itself with thick roots to a tree trunk.

PhyllanthaceaeMargaritaria indica

In the diorama, a young and small tree is growing on the forest floor.

Rodentia / Family: MuridaeTokunoshima spiny rat

Renowned for its jumping ability, this rat moves in a hopping manner with both legs together. As seen in the diorama, it jumps to evade attacks from habu vipers.

Squamata / Family: ViperidaeHabu viper

While young, it primarily feeds on amphibians and reptiles like frogs and lizards; as it grows, it begins to favor mammals such as rats. In the diorama, it is poised to attack the Tokunoshima spiny rat.

Urodela / Family: SalamandridaeRaffaëlli's spiny crocodile newt

It feeds on earthworms, flatheaded worms, snails, slugs, beetles, and millipedes. In the diorama, it is trying to intimidate by expanding its ribs.

Blattodea / Family: PolyphagidaeEucorydia tokaraensis

Adult males are rarely spotted resting on tree leaves. In the diorama, you can also find a male on a leaf.

Coleoptera / Family: LucanidaeDorcus amamianus kubotai

It is attracted to sap and lights. In the diorama, it can be observed clinging to the Quercus miyagii.

Stylommatophora / Family: BradybaenidaeAegista kiusiuensis tokunovaga

Although rarely seen in the wild, in the diorama, it can be observed creeping along the buttress root of the Quercus miyagii.

Stylommatophora / Family: ClausliidaeStereophaedusa caudata

This species is rarely seen, but when it is, it is mainly found on tree trunks. In the diorama, it can be observed actively moving.

FagaceaeQuercus miyagii

In the diorama, a towering tree can be observed along the valley.

AspleniaceaeBird's-nest fern

In the diorama, it clings to the Quercus miyagii and spreads its leaves.

StyracaceaeJapanese snowbell

HamamelidaceaeIsunoki witch hazel

ViburnaceaeA variety of Sweet viburnum

PhyllanthaceaeAntidesma japonicum

RubiaceaeDamnacanthus indicus var. microphyllus

In the diorama, it extends its leaves while bearing numerous thorns on its branches.

ApocynaceaePorcelainflower

In the diorama, it's early summer, and its flowers are in full bloom, attracting insects.

DryopteridaceaeCtenitis subglandulosa

BlechnaceaeBlechnum orientale

In the diorama, it is about to unfurl its new leaves.

Accipitriformes / Family: AccipitridaeGray-faced buzzard

It is a migratory bird that visits Tokunoshima in autumn. In the diorama, you can see it soaring in the sky.

Charadriiformes / Family: ScolopacidaeAmami woodcock

It feeds on earthworms and insects from the soil, roaming in search of prey. In the diorama, it’s hunting for its favorite worms.

Strigiformes / Family: StrigidaeRyukyu scops owl

A small but skilled hunter with silent wings, superb vision, and long, sharp talons. In the diorama, it seems that it has just caught an insect again.

Cypriniformes / Family: CobitidaeMisgurnus amamianus

Loaches are known to have an auxiliary form of breathing called intestinal respiration, in addition to gill breathing. In the diorama, bubbles can be seen emerging from its vent.

Hemiptera / Family: CicadidaeGraptopsaltria bimaculata

Cicadas produce sounds by vibrating their abdomen with tymbal muscles, amplifying the sound in its cavity. In the diorama, you can observe it buzzing energetically.

Hemiptera / Family: ScutelleridaeCantao ocellatus

Perhaps as a strategy against predators, they are often seen gathering together. In the diorama, they are congregating on Heptapleurum heptaphyllum leaves.

Coleoptera / Family: CarabidaeSophiodela ferriei

In the diorama, it rests on a leaf at night.

Coleoptera / Family: LucanidaeProsopocoilus dissimilis makinoi

Being nocturnal, it gathers around the sap of Castanopsis, Tabunoki camphor tree, and other trees, and is also drawn to light. In the diorama, it clings to the Castanopsis trunk.

Coleoptera / Family: LucanidaeDorcus titanus tokunoshimaensis

Mostly active after dark, it feeds on the sap of Castanopsis, oaks, Mallotus japonicus, and other trees, and is also attracted to light. In the diorama, it is seen feeding on the sap.

Coleoptera / Family: LucanidaeDorcus japonicus

Although attracted to light, it primarily roams the ground. In the diorama, it seems to be wandering over a decaying log.

Coleoptera / Family: CerambycidaeAnoplophora oshimana tokunoshimana

Active during the day, it is often seen resting on trees. In the diorama, it can be observed on a tree trunk.

Squamata / Family: LacertidaeGreen grass lizard

As an excellent climber, it moves around three-dimensionally. In the diorama, it is basking on a leaf.

Coleoptera / Family: DytiscidaeCybister rugosus

Fiercely carnivorous, it preys on various aquatic animals and scavenges on carrion. In the diorama, it seems to have just caught a dragonfly nymph.

Decapoda / Family: PalaemonidaeMonkey river prawn

In the diorama, it looks like it's searching for food along the pond's bottom.

Decapoda / Family: PalaemonidaeMacrobrachium japonicum

In the diorama, it is ambushing its prey at the bottom of the water.

Decapoda / Family: AtyidaeAmano shrimp

In the diorama, it seems to be feeding on algae at the bottom of the pond.

Araneae / Family: NephilidaeNephila pilipes

It spins large webs, 1 to 1.5 m in diameter, between trees, buildings, and other structures, trapping insects and occasionally even birds. In the diorama, it is waiting for its prey to get caught in the web.

Stylommatophora / Family: PhilomycidaeMeghimatium fruhstorferi

It is commonly found in Tokunoshima's forests. In the diorama, it is feeding on something on a tree trunk.

Passeriformes / Family: MotacillidaeGrey wagtail

Constantly flicking its tail up and down, it often scurries along the water's edge, feeding on aquatic insects and occasionally catching flying insects mid-air. In the diorama, it seems to be searching for prey.

Passeriformes / Family: CettiidaeJapanese bush warbler

It is an omnivore, feeding on a range of foods, including insects and fruits. In the diorama, it appears to be foraging for food.

PiperaceaePiper kadsura

In the diorama, it entwines around the Ryukyu pine and bears orange fruits.

PinaceaeRyukyu pine

RubiaceaeCape jasmine

LamiaceaeClerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii

RubiaceaePsychotria asiatica

PoaceaeCommon reed

HydrocharitaceaeDucklettuce

In the diorama, its flower projects above the water surface.

PolygonaceaePersicaria dichotoma

Lagomorpha / Family: LeporidaeAmami rabbit

As a herbivore, it feeds on grass sprouts, fruits, and bark. It has a habit of defecating in open areas. In the diorama, an adult rabbit is seen defecating while its young is feeding on fallen leaves.

Rodentia / Family: MuridaeRyukyu long-furred rat

In the diorama, it is dining on a pine cone. Its young can also be seen.

Chiroptera / Family: VespertilionidaeRyukyu tube-nosed bat

It utilizes the withered leaves of trees with large, radiating leaves as its roost. In the diorama, it can be seen nestled among leaves of Heptapleurum heptaphyllum.

Columbiformes / Family: ColumbidaeWhistling green pigeon

They are often seen in pairs. In the diorama, two of them are resting closely together.

Squamata / Family: GekkonidaeGekko vertebralis

It has a structure called adhesive pads on its toes, enabling it to move freely along vertical surfaces. In the diorama, it can be seen clinging to a tree trunk.

Squamata / Family: AgamidaeOkinawa tree lizard

In the diorama, it is performing a push-up-like movement known as "head bobbing." This behavior can be observed in various contexts, such as courtship and intimidation.

Squamata / Family: EublepharidaeBanded ground gecko

It wanders on the ground at night, feeding on worms and insects. In the diorama, it appears to be searching for its prey.

Squamata / Family: ColubridaeRyukyu green snake

It primarily feeds on earthworms, with occasional frogs. In the diorama, it appears to be targeting a large worm.

Squamata / Family: ElapidaeAmami coral snake

Although nocturnal, it sometimes can be found during the day. In the diorama, you can see it slithering on the ground, even though it is seldom observed.

Thelyphonida /Family: ThelyphonidaeAmami whipscorpion

Upon encountering a threat, it opens its pincers widely, raises its whip-like tail high, and ejects a liquid containing acetic acid. In the diorama, it is displaying an intimidating posture.

Blattodea / Family: BlaberidaeSalganea taiwanensis ryukyuanus

In the diorama, a male and a female are feeding on each other's wings. The significance of this behavior, reported in 2021, remains unknown, and further research is ongoing.

Hemiptera / Family: CicadidaeMeimuna oshimensis

After the introductory sounds of "Juu-Jii-Waa, Jii-Waa...", it produces a high-pitched "Kan, Kan, Kan..." reminiscent of a bell. In the diorama, it appears to be singing energetically.

Coleoptera / Family: LucanidaeRhaetulus recticornis

It is nocturnal, gathering around sap oozing from branches of trees like Castanopsis and Mallotus japonicus, and is also attracted to light. In the diorama, despite its rarity, it can be seen near the sap.

Coleoptera / Family: LucanidaeNeolucanus protogenetivus protogenetivus

Males tend to emerge earlier and wait for females to emerge so they can mate. In the diorama, you can observe a male waiting on a trunk for a female.

Coleoptera / Family: GeotrupidaePhelotrupes oshimanus yukiae

As a dung beetle, it gathers around the feces of Ryukyu wild boars and Amami rabbits, as well as animal carrion. In the diorama, it can be seen feeding on the feces of the Amami rabbit.

Araneae / Family: LiphistiidaeHeptathela kanenoi

It dwells in a burrow dug into the ground, waiting for prey to pass by keeping the door ajar at the entrance. In the diorama, it appears to have just caught its prey.

Squamata / Family: XenodermatidaeAmami odd-scaled snake

It mainly feeds on earthworms. Although being a rare sight on Tokunoshima, in the diorama, you can spot one emerging onto the ground.

Passeriformes / Family: TurdidaePale thrush

Foraging along the ground, it feeds on earthworms, insects, and fruits. In the diorama, it appears to have just found a worm.

RosaceaeMolucca raspberry

FagaceaeCastanopsis

In the diorama, it towers above and provides a home for animals.

OrchidaceaeGastrochilus japonicus

In the diorama, it takes root on a tree trunk and spreads its leaves.

SymplocaceaeSymplocos formosana

In the diorama, you can hear the rustle of its foliage.

DaphniphyllaceaeDaphniphyllum teijsmannii

AraliaceaeHeptapleurum heptaphyllum

In the diorama, a Ryukyu tube-nosed bat rests wrapped in its leaves, while Cantao ocellatus gather on other leaves.

PolypodiaceaeLemmaphyllum microphyllum var. obovatum

In the diorama, it creeps along the trunk of the Castanopsis.

PolypodiaceaeLeptochilus wrightii

SmilacaceaeSmilax bracteata var. bracteata

In the diorama, it extends its leaves, entwining around Heptapleurum heptaphyllum.

EricaceaeRhododendron tashiroi

In the diorama, it seems that winter has arrived, and it blossoms.

HydrangeaceaeHydrangea kawagoeana var. kawagoeana

In the diorama, it's extending its leaves on the forest floor.

ApocynaceaeA variety of Asiatic jasmine

ElaeocarpaceaeElaeocarpus japonicus

PrimulaceaeArdisia sieboldii

DryopteridaceaeBolbitis subcordata

ChloranthaceaeBone-knitted lotus

In the diorama, it is bearing orange fruits.

AthyriaceaeDiplazium dilatatum

PrimulaceaeLysimachia sikokiana

OrchidaceaeCalanthe masuca

In the diorama, its purple flowers are in bloom.

Columbiformes / Family: ColumbidaeJapanese wood pigeon

During the breeding season, males produce low, cow-like growling sounds of "Grrruuuu…," which gave rise to its local name meaning "cow dove." In the diorama, it can be observed flying within the forest.

Passeriformes / Family: MonarchidaeJapanese paradise flycatcher

Its Japanese name, Sanko-cho (meaning "bird of three lights"), comes from its song, which sounds like "tsuki (moon), hi (sun), hoshi (star)," followed by a "hoi-hoi-hoi" call. Although rarely seen, in the diorama, a young male can be observed singing.

Coleoptera / Family: ScarabaeidaeCopris brachypterus toguchii

As a dung beetle, it primarily feeds on the feces of the Amami rabbit. It buries feces in holes it digs and also carries them to eat later. In the diorama, it is attracted to the feces of an Amami rabbit.

Stylommatophora / Family: CamaenidaeMoellendorffia tokunoensis

It is commonly found on decaying logs. In the diorama as well, it is creeping along a fallen log.

TheaceaeCamellia lutchuensis

In the diorama, it bears a number of nodding white flowers.

PolypodiaceaeGoniophlebium amamianum

In the diorama, it creeps along a tree trunk and extends its leaves.

LauraceaeCinnamomum doederleinii

AucubaceaeA variety of Japanese laurel

PrimulaceaeMyrsine seguinii

DaphniphyllaceaeDaphniphyllum macropodum subsp. macropodum

In the diorama, it spreads its leaves overhead in a forest near mountain peaks.

AsparagaceaeOphiopogon jaburan

In the diorama, it has produced dark blue seeds in winter.

ViolaceaeViola iwagawae

In the diorama, it blooms with dainty flowers at our feet.

OrchidaceaeCalanthe tokunoshimensis

In the diorama, it has come into bloom with the arrival of spring.

AraceaeArisaema kawashimae

In the diorama, it quietly blooms in winter.

AristolochiaceaeAsarum simile

In the diorama, it blooms quietly at the spring forest floor.