ABOUT
About Amami Sidegroove Riffle Beetle
Endemic to Amami Oshima, a species described as recently as 2017. Its form differs from other species in the same genus found on mainland Japan and Taiwan, while the shape of its genitalia, among other features, closely resembles a species distributed in southern China, indicating a close relationship. It is regarded as an example of a relict endemic species: its ancestral species is thought to have once been widespread across the Eurasian continent, and after Amami Oshima became isolated, related populations elsewhere died out, leaving only this species surviving. Riffle beetles are mainly small aquatic beetles living in clean streams, but the detailed ecology of this species itself is still largely unknown.
SAFETY
Observation Safety Notes
Please enjoy Amami's wildlife through photographs. Some species are protected by law or local ordinance, and capturing or removing them is prohibited. In special protection zones within the national park, collecting any wildlife is prohibited entirely. Please check the notes on this page, and confirm local rules before visiting any site.
