Clusters of vivid shield bugs
Cantao ocellatus
Hemiptera / Family: Scutelleridae
- Total length
- 19-26 mm
- Range
- From southern Kyushu to the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, China, and the Oriental tropical region
Perhaps as a strategy against predators, they are often seen gathering together. In the diorama, they are congregating on Heptapleurum heptaphyllum leaves.
It is primarily yellow to red-orange, adorned with black markings edged in pale color, exhibiting considerable variation. Metallic green markings can also be observed on its legs and sides.
It feeds on the juices of plants such as Mallotus japonicus. Females protect their eggs and larvae.
Habitat of This Animal:
B:Forest along the mountain ridge - B1:Forest near the settlement
Most of the forests in Tokunoshima Island are secondary forests that were once cleared in the past. Especially near the settlements, there are forests that have become well-lit thanks to recent pruning. Remains of paths, charcoal kilns, and fields form a reminder of the relationship between people and nature. Such forests accessible from settlements are inhabited by many living creatures fond of the well-lit environment.
This B1:Forest near the settlement