滝本 匠 
July 28, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Hideki Matsudo
Ogimi Village—On July 10, avian enthusiast Chuya Yamahara successfully photographed a Cicindela chinensis (tiger beetle), a carnivorous insect also known as the jewel of the insect world for its vivid iridescent body colors. The beetle has a beautiful jewel-like pattern but is aggressive and captures ants and flies in its large jaw to consume them.
The Okinawan Cicindela chinensis’ body is approximately 2 cm long. They are found on Okinawa, Ishigaki, and Yonaguni Islands between April and September. The beetles feast on live ants, flies, and earthworms; The larvae, on the other hand, eat prey by digging a hole in the ground and dragging ants and other insects into the hole.
According to Yamahara, the Okinawan Cicindela chinensis was originally considered an Okinawan subspecies of the mainland Cicindela chinensis but was recently recognized as a unique species. Although the two closely resemble each other, the Okinawan Cicindela chinensis has a distinct pattern and slightly elongated body shape.
Yamahara, who found the beetle in a forest in Ogimi Village, explained, “They tend to fly away as you approach it, so I had to try numerous times before I finally snapped a picture. I’m touched by the splendor of nature.”
(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)
