Large Tree Nymphオオゴマダラ
Idea leuconoeNE— Not Evaluated
The large tree nymph is Japan's largest butterfly, with a wingspan reaching 13 cm, found across the Ryukyu Islands from Okinawa to Kikai Island. Its larvae feed on toxic vine leaves and store the poison in their bodies, and it is famous for its golden, structurally colored chrysalis. Because it depends on a limited host plant, its range is patchy, and the town of Kikai has banned capturing it by ordinance.
Large Tree Nymph (reference photo)
Species Data
Did You Know?
- Its chrysalis appears golden, a result of structural coloration rather than pigment, and takes about a week to emerge in summer or up to a month in winter. Source
- Its slow, graceful gliding flight has earned it the nickname "lady of the tropics" in Japanese. Source
- It is designated the official prefectural butterfly of Okinawa and the official butterfly of several municipalities as well. Source
Where to See This Species
2 facilities · 0 individuals
東京都多摩動物公園 (Toukyoutotama Doubutsu Kouen)TokyoOpened in 1958
公式サイトで飼育・展示情報を確認できる（主な施設）。 Source
足立区生物園 (Adachikuseibutsuen)Tokyo東武スカイツリーライン「竹ノ塚駅」東口から徒歩約20分。
公式サイトで飼育・展示情報を確認できる（主な施設）。 Source
Conservation Story
Conservation Status
国レベルの絶滅危惧指定はないが、幼虫が特定の食草にしか依存できないため生息は局所的である。分布北限とされる鹿児島県喜界町は1989年に「オオゴマダラ保護条例」を制定し、捕獲等を禁止している。
Habitat
沖縄県から鹿児島県喜界島にかけての南西諸島の平地から山地。食草ホウライカガミの自生地に生育が限られる。
Conservation & Breeding Efforts
- 鹿児島県喜界町による「オオゴマダラ保護条例」(1989年制定)で捕獲等を禁止
Sources
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FAQ
- Why is the chrysalis of this butterfly gold?
- The golden appearance comes from structural coloration in the chrysalis rather than pigment; it takes about a week to emerge in summer or up to a month in winter. Source
- How does this butterfly become toxic?
- Its larvae feed on the leaves of alkaloid-containing vines such as Parsonsia species, storing the toxins in their bodies, a defense that persists into adulthood. Source
- Is this butterfly protected?
- There is no national threatened-species listing, but the town of Kikai, near the species' northern range limit, enacted an ordinance in 1989 banning its capture due to its dependence on a limited host plant. Source
Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org