English Common Name

Okinawa Stage-beetle

Scientific name

Neolucanus okinawanus

Taxonomy

Order: Coleoptera, Family: Lucanidae

Size

4 cm – 6.5 cm

Species Distribution

Northern part of Okinawa Island

National Endangered Species

Okinawa Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable

Japan Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable

They spend their larva stage in tree hollows in chinquapin or old trees. This species is a large-sized beetle. Males have antler-like jaws with teeth. Teeth size depends on the body size; large individuals have teeth only on the tips of jaws. During the active period in their life cycle, both female and male beetles roam around on forest tracks. This activity results in death due to being crushed by vehicles or trapped in ditches. Habitat loss due to deforestation is also a concern for conservation of the species.

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※Please Note!
Neolucanus okinawanus is an endangered species. Please refer to the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Updated June 2017

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