English Common Name

Okinawan Rhinoceros Beetle

Scientific name

Allomyrina dichotoma takarai

Taxonomy

Order: Coleoptera, Family: Scarabaeidae

Size

3 cm - 5 cm (excluding the horns)

Species Distribution

Okinawa, Sesokojima, Iejima, and Iheyajima Islands

Okinawa Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened

Japan Red List of Threatened Species: Data Deficient

The species is found only in the Okinawa Group. It is a subspecies of Japanese horned beetles (Allomyrina dichotoma) found in Japan. The length of the Okinawa Rhinoceros Beetle is smaller than the Japanese horned beetles. The Okinawan Rhinoceros Beetle and the Kumejima Rhinoceros Beetle (an endemic species in Kumejima Island) were separated from other islands about 1.7 million years ago due to diatrophism. It appears the genetic lineage has diversified from Japanese horned beetles. Development, deforestation, and genetic contamination from crossing with Japanese horned beetles are threatening this particular species.

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Updated in June 2017

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