Amami Flat Stag Beetle
A subspecies of the flat stag beetle found in the Amami Islands. It is the most numerous stag beetle on Amami Oshima.
CREATURES / STAG BEETLES
Stag Beetles of Amami Oshima
Stag beetles gather at the scent of tree sap on summer nights. Amami Oshima is home to a richly varied set of species found only on this island.
ABOUT
Stag Beetles of Amami Oshima
A variety of stag beetles appear in Amami Oshima's forests, mainly on summer nights. You may spot their powerful forms on sap-flowing trees or along forest roads.
Some have large mandibles, others are small-bodied and hide in tree bark — each species' form and way of life differs. Some are precious species found only on Amami.
If you meet one in the forest, quietly watch it feed on sap and move about, and enjoy capturing its life in the wild in a photograph.
Respect the Forest and Its Wildlife
Please enjoy these creatures through photographs. Rules on collecting and taking specimens vary by species and region, so check local ordinances and access restrictions, and take care not to damage sap-flowing trees or their habitat.
STAG BEETLES OF AMAMI
Stag Beetles You Can Meet on Amami
A look at the stag beetles you can meet in Amami Oshima's forests. Click a photo or name to see that species' full page.
Amami Lesser Stag Beetle
Although its name means "lesser stag beetle," it resembles the Himeoo stag beetle in many respects.
Amami Roundwing Stag Beetle
Active from around September through October, it can be observed deep in forests dense with giant Castanopsis sieboldii trees.
Amami Mountain Stag Beetle
Active from around July through September. A rare species found only on Amami Oshima. Collecting is prohibited by ordinance.
Amami Root Stag Beetle
A subspecies of the root stag beetle found in the Amami Islands, and the largest-growing of Japan's root stag beetle subspecies. Active from around May through October.
Amami Sawtooth Stag Beetle
Active from mid-June through early September. Among Japan's sawtooth stag beetles, those from Amami Oshima are especially large, with long, thick, imposing mandibles.
Lewis's Horned Stag Beetle
Glossy all over the body, with distinctively shaped mandibles, it spends the whole year inside rotten wood.
Amami Deer Stag Beetle
Active from around May through September, most easily seen around August. Collecting is prohibited by ordinance.
Amami Ridged Flat Stag Beetle
Active from late April through around October, peaking in July. A rare species endemic to Japan, found only in the Amami Islands, with eight distinct ridges on its…
EXPLORE MORE
See More Creatures
Pick a category to see more of Amami Oshima's wildlife.
NIGHT FIELD TOUR
Walk Amami's Night Forest
Join a guide and search for wildlife together in the night forest.
See night tour details and pricing →