List of references for identifying terrestrial and aquatic insects (continuously being edited)

This article compiles literature for identifying insects. The focus is primarily on literature containing identification keys that allow for reliable species identification. While all taxonomic groups are covered, this is based on personal observations and needs, and therefore is not a comprehensive collection. Please feel free to share any up-to-date literature via email.

Identification literature for insects in general

"Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Insects, Volume 2, Completely Revised New Edition"

Ito, Shushiro; Okutani, Teiichi; and Hiura, Isamu. 1977. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Insects, Volume 2, Completely Revised New Edition. Hoikusha, Osaka. 385pp. ISBN: 9784586300037

"The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Insects in Color, Volume 3: Odonata, Stoneflies, Grasshoppers, True Bugs, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Others (Newly Revised)"

Hirashima, Yoshihiro & Morimoto, Kei. 2008. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Insects in Color, Vol. 3: Odonata, Stoneflies, Grasshoppers, True Bugs, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Others (Revised Edition). Hokuryukan, Tokyo. 654pp. ISBN: 9784832608276

This is a completely revised edition of the "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Insects in Color" (3 volumes in total), first published in 1959. Volume III includes approximately 3,200 species from 30 orders other than the butterflies and beetles featured in Volumes I and II. The descriptions of Japanese names, scientific names, distribution, etc., have been completely revised to conform to today's classification standards, and additional species have been added, mainly those included in the Red Data Book.

Hokuryukan Homepage

"Illustrated Guide to Investigating Insects 1: Compilation of the Illustrated Search Series for Environmental Assessment Animal Survey Lectures"

Hatsushuku, Naruhiko. 2013. Investigating Insects with Illustrations 1: Compilation of the Illustration Search Series for the Environmental Assessment Animal Survey Lecture. Bunkyo Publishing, Osaka. 243pp. http://kandoukon.org/sub/etoki.html

This book is a comprehensive guide to insect-related methods for environmental assessment animal surveys. It's a very easy-to-understand illustrated identification guide.

The Japanese Society of Environmental Zoology and Entomology website.

"Illustrated Guide to Investigating Insects 2: Compilation of the Illustrated Search Series for Environmental Assessment Animal Survey Lectures"

Hatsushuku, Naruhiko. 2017. Investigating Insects with Illustrations 2: Environmental Assessment Animal Survey Lecture Series, Compilation of Illustration Search Series. Bunkyo Publishing, Osaka. 243pp. ISBN: 9784938489251

This is the second volume of our comprehensive guide to insect-related methods for environmental assessment animal surveys.
This is a very easy-to-understand illustrated guide.
Together with the previous volume, this volume explains a total of 17 taxonomic groups.

"Six-legged Homepage"

"New Edition: Small Moths Found Indoors - Profiles of Moths Found in Food"

Nasu, Yoshitsugu & Hirowatari, Toshiya. 2019. New Edition: Small Moths Found Indoors: Profiles of Moths Found in Food. Bunkyo Publishing, Osaka. 174pp. http://kandoukon.org/sub/ga.html

This book is based on the first edition of "Small Moths Found Indoors—Profiles of Moths Contaminating Food," published in 2004. At that time, perhaps due to the growing recognition of the importance of quality control, we moth specialists were receiving an increasing number of requests to identify species found in food and other items. The specimens sent in were usually those from which the scales had been removed, making identification by comparing the markings in field guides difficult. In such cases, identification is often possible by examining the morphology of the genitalia, but we realized that even if we could observe the genitalia, there was no reference book in Japan that comprehensively illustrated the genitalia of moths found indoors. In this context, at the request of Mr. Ryokichi Takagi (Environmental Management Technology Research Association, Bunkyo Publishing), I was asked to write a series of articles on "Small Moths Found Indoors," focusing on species found in food, for the magazine "Environmental Management Technology" from 2000 to 2002. The content involved illustrating the overall shape and genitalia of one species of small moth found indoors in each issue, and providing related topics. In the first edition, this series, which spanned a total of 16 installments, was compiled and 16 species were introduced.
By the way, it is not the adults but the larvae of moths that directly feed on food and clothing, causing damage when they get into food. However, the larvae are very similar to each other, and differences in their morphology are generally not well known. Therefore, from 2015 to 2017, Nasu began a series in the same journal, "Environmental Management Technology," titled "Larval Stages of Small Moths Found Indoors," focusing on one species of larva and pupa in each issue. After the completion of this 16-part series, we planned the publication of "New Edition: Small Moths Found Indoors—Profiles of Moths Found in Food," which combines information on the adult and larval stages. The new edition introduces a total of more than 28 species of small moths found indoors, and includes illustrated identification keys for adults, larvae, and pupae to aid in identification. We have also explained as much as possible about the morphology and distinguishing features of the larvae and pupae, as well as the morphology of the adults, including their genitalia.

The Japanese Society of Environmental Zoology and Entomology website.

Identification literature for aquatic insects

"Identification Guide to Japanese Aquatic Insects: Family, Genus, and Species, Second Edition"

Kawai, Teiji & Tanida, Ichizo. 2018. Identification Key to Japanese Aquatic Insects: Family, Genus, and Species, Second Edition. Tokai University Press, Hiratsuka. 1752pp. ISBN: 9784486017745

A completely revised edition of the 2005 publication. It features an easy-to-use identification key and enhanced descriptions of species characteristics such as body length and distribution area, and some species can be identified using photographs.
Based on the latest classification methods, the identification key is easy to use, and the descriptions of species characteristics such as body length and distribution area have been enhanced. For some species, it is now also possible to identify them using photographs.
This book is an essential resource for insect researchers, offering the latest insights into aquatic insects.

Kinokuniya Bookstore Web Store

"Illustrated Guide to River Insects in Full Color: Adult Forms - Mayflies, Stoneflies, Caddisflies"

Maruyama, Hiroki & Hanada, Satoko. 2016. Illustrated Guide to Aquatic Insects in Full Color: Adults (Mayflies, Stoneflies, Caddisflies). National Rural Education Association, Tokyo. 482pp. ISBN: 9784881371848

Together with the "Larva Chapter," you can learn about the entire life cycle of aquatic insects!

• Adult aquatic insects are relatively easier to distinguish from their larval stage.
• This book features a wealth of photographs and illustrations of 349 species from 50 families, 198 genera, and 13 families of mayflies (84 species in 40 genera), 9 families and 56 genera of stoneflies (102 species in 9 families), and 28 families and 102 genera of caddisflies (163 species in 102 genera). Subimagos are also included for mayflies.
• By using the family and genus identification key in conjunction with this guide, you can learn about the characteristics, distinguishing features, habitat, and emergence period of each species in detail, making it useful for species identification.
• This list includes Japanese species of mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies, with separate entry numbers for adults and larvae, integrating information on both.

"National Rural Education Association Homepage"

Identification literature for the order Odonata (dragonflies)

While "Identification Guide to Japanese Aquatic Insects: Family, Genus, and Species, Second Edition" allows for identification of both adults and larvae, "Illustrated Identification Guide to Japanese Dragonfly Larvae and Adults" offers illustrated identification.

"Illustrated Guide to the Larvae and Adults of Japanese Dragonflies"

As of 1987, there are 181 species and 14 subspecies of dragonflies belonging to 14 families, 83 genera, and 14 subspecies in Japan. The first illustrated dragonfly guide in Japan was "Kagerofu" (Dragonfly Encyclopedia), written in the late Edo period by Yoshida Jakusōan, a botanist from Owari Province, which illustrated 65 dragonfly species. Since then, many illustrated guides of dragonflies have been published, but this guide focuses on including photographs of living dragonflies in their natural habitat. Efforts have been made to cover as many species as possible, including those with differences in body shape, color, and markings between males and females, species whose coloration changes drastically as they mature, and species exhibiting polymorphism with two or more different color and marking patterns. Ecological photographs of representative larval species are also included.

Kinokuniya Bookstore Web Store

Identification literature for the orders Galloiformes, Dermestida, Phasmatodea, Mantodea, Blattodea, Termites, and Orthoptera.

"Standard Illustrated Guide to Orthoptera of Japan"

The Orthopterological Society of Japan. 2016. Standard Illustrated Guide to Orthopterans of Japan. Gakken Plus, Tokyo. 384pp. ISBN: 9784054064478

This field guide covers orthopteran insects (polyneopterans) found in Japan, including not only grasshoppers but also previously undisclosed orders such as Galloiformes, Dermestida, Phasmatodea, Termites, Mantodea, Blattodea, and Termites. It almost completely covers Japanese species, and each description includes a key.

Gakken Publishing Website

Identification literature for the order Hemiptera (true bugs)

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs: Terrestrial Stink Bugs, Volume 1"

Yasunaga, Tomohide; Takai, Mikio; Yamashita, Izumi; Kawamura, Mitsuru; and Kawasawa, Tetsuo. 1993. Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs in Color: Terrestrial Stink Bugs, Vol. 1. National Rural Education Association, Tokyo. 380pp. ISBN: 9784881370520

Stink bugs can be broadly categorized into three types.

• One example is the stink bug, such as those belonging to the family Pentatomidae, which possess beautiful colors.
• One example is the stink bug, a major pest of agricultural crops, such as the red-bearded green stink bug, which causes spotted rice grains.
• And then there are stink bugs, natural enemies of pests.

The former is of interest to insect enthusiasts, while the latter two are of significant interest to farmers and agricultural researchers and instructors.
This book explains the diverse aspects of stink bugs using numerous color photographs of their ecology, making it a highly valuable full-color illustrated guide that can be used by a wide range of people, from insect enthusiasts to agricultural workers and insect specialists.

"National Rural Education Association Homepage"

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs: Terrestrial Stink Bugs, Volume 2"

Yasunaga, Tomohide; Takai, Mikio; and Nakatani, Yoshinobu. 2001. Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs in Color: Terrestrial Stink Bugs, Vol. 2. National Rural Education Association, Tokyo. 350pp. ISBN: 9784881370896

The "Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs in Color," published in 1993, was highly acclaimed as Japan's first comprehensive guide to terrestrial stink bugs, featuring 353 species from 23 families. Eight years later, thanks to the energetic efforts of researchers, the classification of stink bugs has made remarkable progress, with many new species being discovered and the classification system being revised.
In particular, the Miridae family (formerly the Blind Bug family) is the largest group of insects in the order Hemiptera, yet eight years ago, only 81 species were listed. In this book, 404 species of Miridae bugs are identified, and their diets have also been revealed. While they were previously thought to be herbivorous, it has been revealed that they are primarily omnivorous, and some are even predominantly carnivorous. This suggests great potential as natural enemies. This book , "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Stink Bugs, Volume 2," is packed with such cutting-edge information.

[Featured species]
Miridae family: 404 species
40 species of the family Ornithopteridae
One species of the family Pentatomidae.
Two species of bed bugs (family Cordyceps).

"National Rural Education Association Homepage"

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs: Terrestrial Stink Bugs, Volume 3"

Ishikawa, T., Takai, M., & Yasunaga, T. 2012. Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs: Terrestrial Stink Bugs, Vol. 3. National Rural Education Association, Tokyo. ISBN: 9784881371688

"The Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs (Volume 1)," published in 1993, is a full-color illustrated guide that provides a comprehensive overview of stink bugs, featuring 358 species, representing about half of the terrestrial stink bugs known in Japan at the time of its publication.
The subsequent "Illustrated Guide to Japanese Stink Bugs, Volume 2" was published in 2001 and provided detailed descriptions of 447 species from 4 families, focusing on the Miridae and Ornamental Bugs, which are representative of the difficult-to-classify groups.
This third volume details 665 species from 29 families that were not covered in Volume 2. It fully showcases the research results of approximately 20 years since the publication of Volume 1, including not only new species but also revised and detailed descriptions of the vast majority of species previously covered in Volume 1. Extremely diverse groups, including the families Lace Bugs, Assassin Bugs, Flat Bugs, and the Superfamily Lycaenoidea, are presented with vivid ecological photographs. Furthermore, in addition to morphological descriptions using detailed illustrations, the book has been further improved and made more user-friendly with the addition of an "illustrated key" that allows for searching within all families.

"National Rural Education Association Homepage"

Other papers

Matsumura, S. 1935. Revision of Stenocranus Fieb.(Hom.) and its allied species in Japan-Empire. Insecta matsumurana 9(4): 125-140. http://hdl.handle.net/2115/9297

Identification literature for Hymenoptera (bees and wasps)

"Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History Special Publication No. 2: Key to the Genus of Japanese Ichneumonoidea (Hymenoptera) Wasps"

Watanabe, Kyohei & Fujie, Junpei. 2022. Special Publication No. 2 of the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History: Key to the genera of Japanese Ichneumonoidea (Hymenoptera). Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History, Odawara. 524pp. ISBN: 9784910826011, https://nh.kanagawa-museum.jp/www/contents/1643173895521/simple/SPKPMNH_02_a.pdf

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Argiope Wasps"

Terayama, Mamoru & Suda, Hirohisa. 2016. An Illustrated Guide to Japanese Arachn Wasps. Tokai University Press, Hiratsuka. ISBN: 9784486020752

This book lists all species (847 species) found in Japan, excluding ant and bee species. It also includes photographs of over 1000 specimens of 515 species (excluding ants and bees). Each group is provided with a species-level identification key, and the basic morphology, ecology, and distribution of each species are described. The higher-level classification system in this book is based on the latest molecular phylogenetic analysis. The book includes a list of Japanese species, a bibliography organized by region and taxonomic group, and ecological photographs.

Kinokuniya Bookstore Homepage

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Bees"

Osamu Tadauchi and Tatsuki Murao. 2014. Illustrated Guide to Japanese Bees. Bun-ichi Sogo Shuppan, Tokyo. 479pp. ISBN: 9784829988428

Bees play a major role in pollinating plants and are also attracting attention as indicators of ecosystem health.
As the importance of biodiversity and interspecies interactions becomes more widely recognized, a long-awaited field guide to support their identification has finally arrived.
This book presents, through photographs, its rich and previously little-known features, as well as the characteristics necessary for identification.

• Includes all species found in Japan, 389 species from 6 families. This is the world's first photographic field guide to cover all species found in a single country!
- We use scientific names based on the latest research.
- Include photographs of both male and female specimens whenever possible.
Insects that pollinate plants are indicators of ecosystem health. Identifying bees, which make up a large part of this population, is essential for environmental surveys.
• Key identification points are presented with over 5,000 photographs. This allows for identification by comparing the differences between similar species.
- In addition to size, distribution, and emergence period, the plants it visits are also described. Numerous ecological photographs focusing on its visiting posture are also included.

『Amazon』

"Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History Special Publication No. 1: A Guide to Identifying Japanese Bee Species (excluding some species of the family Halictidae, the family Leafcutteridae, and the genus *Aephus* in the family Apidae)"

Watanabe, Kyohei & Nagase, Hirohiko. 2022. Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History Special Publication No. 1: A Guide to Identifying Japanese Bees (excluding some species of the family Halictidae, the family Melanidae, and the genus *Hymenoptera* in the family Apidae). Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History, Odawara. 120pp. ISBN: 9784910826004, https://nh.kanagawa-museum.jp/www/contents/1643173895521/simple/SPKPMNH_01.pdf

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Bumblebees"

Kinoda, K., Takamizawa, K., and Ito, M. 2013. Illustrated Guide to Japanese Bumblebees. Hokkaido University Press, Sapporo. 191pp. ISBN: 9784832913967

This book showcases all species and subspecies found in Japan, featuring ecological photographs and fresh specimen photos!
I want to include as many Japanese species and subspecies as possible, showcasing them with ecological and fresh specimen photographs. Ecological photographs alone aren't enough. I want people to know what kinds of species live where. For species that are difficult to identify from ecological or full-body specimen photographs, morphological diagrams and close-ups of characteristic parts would be helpful. I want this to be more than just a field guide for identifying species; I want it to be a book for interacting with bumblebees. I want this to be a field guide that can withstand a long and deep relationship with a wide range of people, from naturalists to researchers. This "dream" has finally come to fruition!

[Features of this book]

1. This compact yet comprehensive field guide features 15 species and 6 subspecies from 5 subgenera found in Japan.
2. This book comprehensively documents the world of Japanese bumblebees using approximately 450 photographs of their ecology and habitat, and about 100 clear photographs of specimens.
3. To allow for easy identification of regional and individual variations, we have included multiple regional specimens of queen bees, worker bees, and male bees.
4. To make it easy to see at a glance where and when they can be seen, highly interesting items such as horizontal and vertical distribution, nesting sites, activity periods, and feeding methods are displayed with both text and illustrations.
5. For similar species, we have used numerous photographs, illustrations, and comparison charts to clearly show the distinguishing features, such as fur color and growth pattern, so that they can be easily identified at a glance.
6. To convey the joy of keeping them, we have specifically introduced some invaluable information, such as how to find and excavate nests, how to raise them, the nesting period, and colony size.
7. For those who want to learn more, or for researchers, we have included numerous photographs and illustrations of the morphology of various parts, such as ① labial length, body length, and head width, ② malar area, ③ punctation around the lateral ocelli, ④ shape of the posterior end of the tarsal segment of the middle leg, and ⑤ genitalia, to aid in exploration and research.
8. This is an illustrated guide that is widely used, long-term, and deeply appreciated by everyone from insect enthusiasts to experts.

Hokkaido University Press Homepage

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Ants"

Terayama, Mamoru; Kubota, Satoshi; and Eguchi, Katsuyuki. 2014. An Illustrated Guide to Japanese Ants. Asakura Shoten, Tokyo. 278pp. ISBN: 9784254171563

Ants are not only the most familiar insects, but also social insects with extremely fascinating ecologies. This book is the definitive guide to Japanese ants, providing detailed explanations of all 295 species in 59 genera across 10 subfamilies, based on numerous specimen and ecological photographs. The first half features color photographs (specimen photographs of all genera, and ecological photographs of most species), while the second half explains the classification, ecology, distribution, research methods, and rearing methods for each species. An identification key is also included. This is an essential book for students, researchers, and general readers interested in insects, especially ants.

Asakura Publishing Homepage

Other papers

Matsuura, Makoto. 2002. Illustrated Identification Series (12) Illustrated Identification: Japanese Hornets. Insects and Nature 37(8): 25-28.

Identification literature for the order Diptera (flies)

Hayakawa, Hirofumi. 1990. Classification of adult female flies of the family Staphidae from Japan - 1 - The groups of the genus Staphidae (horsefinch), Staphidae (red horsefinch), and related species. Research Materials of the Tohoku Agricultural Experiment Station 10: 35-49.

Hayakawa, Hirofumi. 1990. Classification of adult female flies of the family Staphidae in Japan - 2 - Genus *Euproctis* and *Euproctis*. Tohoku Agricultural Experiment Station Research Materials 10: 51-61. https://agriknowledge.affrc.go.jp/RN/2010460147.pdf

Sueyoshi, Masahiro. 2011. Illustrated Key to Japanese Mycoptera. Hanaabu 31: 1-18.

Identification literature for Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)

"Lepidoptera of Japan: Systematics and Diversity"

Komai, K., Yoshiyasu, Y., Nasu, Y., & Saito, T. 2011. Lepidoptera of Japan: Phylogeny and Diversity. Tokai University Press, Hadano. 1305pp. ISBN: 9784486018568

This book provides a simple explanation of technical terms related to the morphology of lepidopterans. It also offers detailed explanations of butterfly and moth phylogeny and higher-level classifications, accompanied by numerous line drawings and photographs. Moths can be identified by their host plants. The book features color photographs illustrating larvae, including many species illustrated for the first time, as well as eggs, pupae, and adults.

『Amazon』

"Illustrated Guide to Butterflies in Natural Colors"

Inomata, Toshio. 1990. Illustrated Guide to Butterflies in Color. Hokuryukan, Tokyo. 63 + 223 pp. ISBN: 9784832600386

This butterfly identification guide is a new type of guide that allows you to easily and correctly identify butterfly species based on their wing color, shape, markings, wing venation, antennae, and body characteristics. With 1637 color specimens, it provides detailed explanations of all Japanese butterfly species, including regional variations, using large color photographs, allowing you to quickly identify butterflies on the spot after collecting them. It is useful for researchers, general enthusiasts, and designers alike.

Hokuryukan Homepage

Identification literature for the order Dobsonflies

Shimonoya, Toyokazu. 2015. A new species of dobsonfly discovered in Fukui Prefecture, central Honshu. Bulletin of the Mie Prefectural Museum 62: 43-52.
http://www.nature.museum.city.fukui.fukui.jp/shuppan/kenpou/62/62-43-52.pdf

Identification literature for the order Coleoptera.

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Beetles in Full Color, Vol. 1"

Morimoto, Kei and Hayashi, Nagataka. 1986. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Beetles, Vol. 1. Hoikusha, Osaka. 450pp. ISBN: 9784586300686

Hoikusha's "Illustrated Guide to Japanese Beetles in Full Color" has consistently received high praise from many readers for its comprehensive coverage and the expertise of its beetle-loving authors. The detailed illustrations, vibrant photographs, and concise, easy-to-understand explanations are the reasons for its long-standing popularity. The case design was updated and a reprint was issued in August 2007. (No revisions were made to the original edition.)
"The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Beetles, Vol. 1" provides a morphological and ecological explanation of how beetles survive and maintain their species in the natural world. This comprehensive volume is based on the latest scientific theories and summarizes their phylogeny, classification, and distribution from the perspective of historical background (evolution).

『Amazon』

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Beetles in Full Color, Volume 2"

Ueno, S., Kurosawa, Y., & Sato, M. 1985. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Beetles, Vol. 2. Hoikusha, Osaka. 526pp. ISBN: 9784586300693

"The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Beetles, Vol. 2" features 80 illustrations and descriptions of approximately 2,000 species and 2,500 specimens from families such as Carabidae, Dytiscidae, Staphylinidae, Lucanidae, and Scarabaeidae. Many species, such as the Yanbaru long-horned beetle, are illustrated using type specimens.

『Amazon』

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Beetles in Full Color, Volume 3"

Kurosawa, Yoshihiko; Hisamatsu, Sadashige; and Sasaji, Hiroyuki. 1985. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Beetles, Vol. 3. Hoikusha, Osaka. 514pp. ISBN: 9784586300709

"The Illustrated Guide to Japanese Beetles, Volume 3" includes most species from difficult-to-identify groups, such as the Buprestidae, Elateridae, Lampyridae, Coccinellidae, Tenebrionidae, and Ornamentidae families. Identification is facilitated by using identification keys and illustrations to highlight differences between species.

『Amazon』

"Illustrated Guide to Japanese Beetles in Full Color, Volume 4"

Hayashi, Masao; Kimoto, Shinsaku; and Morimoto, Kei. 1984. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Beetles, Vol. 4. Hoikusha, Osaka. 438pp. ISBN: 9784586300716

"The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Beetles, Volume 4" includes 72 illustrations and descriptions of almost all species in families such as Cerambycidae, Chrysomelidae, Attelabidae, Curculionidae, and Barkworms. It also includes descriptions of many agricultural and forestry pests.

『Amazon』

“Primary Colored Insect Encyclopedia Volume 2: Beetle Edition”

Katsura Morimoto. 2007. Primary Color Insect Encyclopedia Volume 2: Beetle Edition, New Edition. Hokuryukan, Tokyo. 754pp. ISBN: 9784832608269

This is a complete revision of the "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Insects in Color" (3 volumes in total), first published in 1959. Volume II features approximately 4,200 species of Japanese beetles. The descriptions of Japanese names, scientific names, and distributions have been completely revised, and the family identification keys have been newly revised to match today's classification standards. This is the first complete revision in over 40 years.

Hokuryukan Homepage

"Japanese Longhorn Beetles"

Obayashi, Nobuo & Niisato, Tatsuya. 2007. Longhorn beetles of Japan. Tokai University Press, Hadano. 818pp. ISBN: 9784486017417

• Based on the latest findings up to the end of 2006, this book comprehensively covers all 946 species (including subspecies) of longhorn beetles recorded in Japan. This includes all taxa newly recorded since 1992, when the previous edition of this book (Illustrated Key to Japanese Longhorn Beetles) was published.
• This new edition includes color photographs of specimens covering almost all species, and when combined with the illustrated key, it allows for easy identification of species through a systematic search at the subfamily, tribe, genus, and subgenus levels.
• In addition to morphological characteristics, the species descriptions include information on adult emergence period, distribution, and host plants. Furthermore, a newly attached, up-to-date synonymic list allows for tracing taxonomic changes.
• By adding a list of previously recorded host plants, it is possible to estimate the aggressor species from the plants themselves.
• To provide a comprehensive understanding of longhorn beetles, this book includes extensive explanations of their morphology, ecology, distribution, phylogeny, and conservation, as well as explanations of research methods, ecological photography techniques, collection methods, and specimen preparation methods.
• This book features 318 valuable ecological photographs, most of which have never been published before.
• This book is an essential illustrated guide not only for researchers and enthusiasts of longhorn beetles, but also for those involved in various fields such as applied entomology, forest ecology, and environmental technology.

Nanyodo Bookstore

"Standard Illustrated Guide to Japanese Scarabaeoidea"

Okajima, Hideharu & Aratani, Kunio. 2012. Standard Illustrated Guide to Japanese Scarabaeoidea. Gakken Plus, Tokyo. 444pp. ISBN: 9784054038479

The Scarabaeoidea superfamily is a popular group that includes stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, flower beetles, dung beetles, and more. This illustrated guide features all of the diverse Scarabaeoidea species found in Japan, exhibiting not only significant variations between species but also considerable subspecies, geographical variations, and even individual variability.

Gakken Publishing Website

Other papers on the order Coleoptera

Harusawa, Keitaro. 1998. Illustrated Identification Series (7) Illustrated Identification of Japanese Carrion Beetles. Insects and Nature 33(5): 32-36.

Harusawa, Keitaro. 2002. Illustrated Identification Series (10) Illustrated Identification: Japanese Carrionidae. Insects and Nature 37(5): 23-25.

Yahiro, Katsuro. 1996. Illustrated key to families and subfamilies of terrestrial ground beetles found in Japan. Insects and Nature 31(13): 34-40.

Yamazaki, Kazuo. 1996. Illustrated Key to the Japanese Tribe of Ground Beetles. Insects and Nature 31(3): 24-29.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1985. Beetles of Japan 69: Four-spotted Ground Beetles (2) and Sand-spotted Ground Beetles (1). Insects and Nature 20(9): 18-22.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1985. Beetles of Japan 70: 2 species of the subfamily Adenoidae and 1 species of the subfamily Adenoidae. Insects and Nature 20(11): 22-26.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1985. Beetles of Japan 71: Ground Beetles 2. Insects and Nature 20(13): 15-19.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1986. Beetles of Japan 72: Ground Beetles 3. Insects and Nature 21(2): 19-24.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1986. Beetles of Japan 73: Ground Beetles 4. Insects and Nature 21(4): 18-24.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1986. Beetles of Japan 74: Additional subfamilies of the subfamily Adenoidae, 7 subfamilies of the subfamily Adenoidae, and 1 tribe of the tribe Adenoidae. Insects and Nature 21(8): 23-25.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1986. Beetles of Japan 75: Subfamily Dendrobates 8, Tribe Dendrobates 2. Insects and Nature 21(10): 19-22.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1986. Beetles of Japan 76: 9 species of the subfamily Dendrobates, 3 species of the tribe Dendrobates, and 1 species of the subfamily Dendrobates. Insects and Nature 21(12): 22-25.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1987. Beetles of Japan 77: 2 species of the subfamily Adenoidae and 1 species of the subfamily Adenoidae. Insects and Nature 22(1): 24-26.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1987. Beetles of Japan 78: 2 species of the subfamily Pterostomatinae, 1 species of the subfamily Pterostomatinae. Insects and Nature 22(6): 16-18.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1987. Beetles of Japan 79: Subfamilies of the Hemiptera and Hemiptera subfamilies 1. Insects and Nature 22(9): 25-29.

Nakane, Takehiko. 1987. Beetles of Japan 80: Subfamily Acrocephalinae 2. Insects and Nature 22(11): 26-30.

Oba, Nobuyoshi. 2002. Illustrated Identification Series (7) Illustrated Identification: Fireflies (Japanese species) (Part 2). Insects and Nature 37(2): 21-25.

Oba, Nobuyoshi. 2002. Illustrated Identification Series (8) Illustrated Identification: Fireflies (Japanese species) (Part 2). Insects and Nature 37(3): 23-28.

Okushima, Yuichi. 2002. Illustrated Identification Series (9) Illustrated Identification: Species Group of Japanese Soldier Beetles. Insects and Nature 37(4): 26-28.

Fukutomi, Hirokazu. 2018. Classification of the genus Agrilus from Japan. Insects and Nature 53(7): 5-8. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/40021596213

Imasaka, Shoichi & Hayashi, Seita. 2011. Illustrated key to the Japanese species Chlamisus. Hoshizaki Green Foundation Research Report 14: 179-187.

Sawada, Yoshihisa. 2002. Illustrated Identification Series (11) Illustrated Identification: Attelabidae (Japanese species). Insects and Nature 37(6): 38-40.

Morimoto, Kei. 2014. An Illustrated Guide to Beetle Larvae: Curculioidea (1) Morphology Used for Classification. Insects and Nature 49(14): 29-32.

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