Fusahigerurikamikiri (Agapanthia japonica)
Fusahigerurikamikiri(Agapanthia japonica) is one of the longest-horned species, measuring about 16 mm, and has a beautifully colored body with a metallic sheen(Ruri), purple-blue to greenish-blue. Designated as a Rare Species of Wild Fauna and Flora by Okayama prefecture in 1992 and Critically Endangered by Japan.
POSTED on 2025/01/14
They often have conspicuous 'tufted(Fusa) beards(Hige)' on their horns, and their diet is Yusuge(Japanese late yellow daylily.)
Fusahigerurikamikiri is a continental grassland mantis (of the 700 species in Japan, only 10 are herbaceous in their diet). The Hiruzen Highland has become an important stronghold for this species in Japan, but they are still in danger of extinction if the grasslands are not maintained.
Annual controlled burns by the volunteer group Yamayaki-tai(mountain burning team) maintain the grasslands and the ecosystem that are the habitat of the Fusahigerurikamikiri.
Fusahigerurikamikiri is a continental grassland mantis (of the 700 species in Japan, only 10 are herbaceous in their diet). The Hiruzen Highland has become an important stronghold for this species in Japan, but they are still in danger of extinction if the grasslands are not maintained.
Annual controlled burns by the volunteer group Yamayaki-tai(mountain burning team) maintain the grasslands and the ecosystem that are the habitat of the Fusahigerurikamikiri.
