classification

What are the different species of leafhoppers? How do they differ from planthoppers? Are they harmful? What do they eat? Did they communicate through "vibrations"? What is the role of their body color?

Leafhoppers are a general term for the family Cicadellaceae, a group of insects distributed worldwide that primarily inhabit the stems and leaves of herbaceous plants. At least 20,000 species have been described globally, and currently, 190 genera and 576 species are known in Japan, making them a highly diverse and thriving group. A close relative is the planthopper...

2023.05.09

animal

What are the differences between autumn olive, summer olive, Chinese olive, and white olive? Can they be eaten raw? Is the "sparkle" on the leaves to prevent drying? What insects visit the flowers? Are the sweet and sour fruits very popular in nature?

Autumn olive, summer olive, Chinese olive, and white olive are all members of the Elaeagnus genus in the Elaeagnaceae family. They can be found in various locations throughout Japan, including rivers, coastlines, and forests. Their leaves are covered in shimmering stellate or scale-like hairs, and they produce pale yellow flowers consisting only of a cylindrical calyx tube, lacking petals.

2023.05.02

plant

What are the species of pseudoscorpion? Are they found in Japan? How are they collected? What do they eat? What is the purpose of their crab-like "claws"?

Pseudoscorpions are a small species of arachnid that inhabit inconspicuous places such as crevices in leaves and rocks, under stones and tree bark, and in decaying trunks. They are distinguished from scorpions by the absence of a long, spiny section on the metathorax (the tail of a scorpion). As of 2023, approximately 3,400 species have been identified worldwide, and they are also widespread in Japan...

2023.04.24

animal

What are the differences between Bohemian waxwings and Japanese waxwings? What is their distribution? What are their summer and winter habits? What is the role of their crest feathers and red waxy substance? Can you tell their age from the waxy substance?!

The Bohemian Waxwing and the Japanese Waxwing are both brightly colored winter birds belonging to the Waxwing genus, possessing crests and often appearing in red or yellow. They are very similar, and it can be difficult to distinguish between them. However, checking the tips of their tail feathers will allow for reliable identification, and there are subtle differences in their coloration. Their distributions differ significantly; the Bohemian Waxwing...

2023.04.17

animal

What are the differences between Cornus kousa, Cornus florida, and evergreen Cornus kousa? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Various insects visit the flowers, but are there differences in their tendencies? There are two types of fruits: "drupe" and "aggregate fruit"!?

Cornus kousa, Cornus florida, and Cornus kousa var. serrata are three commonly planted trees with flowers featuring distinctive white bracts that resemble petals. Their white bracts are similar, and their leaf shapes are also alike, which can sometimes lead to confusion. However, these three species cannot be distinguished solely by leaf shape and color...

2023.04.05

plant

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #155] What are the species of the Polygalaceae family? Photo list

All species of the Polygalaceae family found in Japan are herbaceous. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lack stipules. The flowers are bisexual and bilaterally symmetrical. There are 5 sepals. The petals are 5 in number, partially reduced or fused. There are 4 or 8 stamens, fused at the base. The ovary is superior and 2-chambered. The fruit is a capsule or drupe. [...].

2022.12.25

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #149] What are the species of the Vitaceae family? Photo list

The Vitaceae family consists of climbing woody or herbaceous plants. They ascend using modified stems called tendrils, although a few genera lack tendrils. The tendrils and leaves are opposite. Leaves are alternate, simple, or compound. Simple leaves are often palmately lobed. Inflorescences are usually opposite the leaves. The flowers are...

2022.12.16

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #143] What are the species of the Crassulaceae family? Photo list

The Crassulaceae family consists entirely of succulent herbs or shrubs, often with enlarged rhizomes or roots. The leaves are simple. The flowers are radially symmetrical, mostly hermaphroditic, but some genera are unisexual, monoecious, or dioecious. The calyx is somewhat fleshy, green (sometimes reddish)...

2022.12.13

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #141] What are the species of the Grossulaceae family? Photo list

The family Grossulariaceae was previously classified under the Saxifragaceae family, but has been separated into the order Saxifragales. It consists of a single genus, Ribes, with approximately 150 species distributed in the temperate and subarctic regions of Eurasia, South America, and Northeast Africa. This article will discuss...

2022.12.09

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #137] What are the species of Hamamelidaceae? Photo List

The Hamamelidaceae family consists of deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, often covered in stellate hairs. Leaves are alternate, simple or palmate, and petiolate. They have deciduous stipules. Flowers are bisexual or unisexual, radially symmetrical, rarely bilaterally symmetrical, axillary, capitate, or conchoidal...

2022.12.07

Seed Plant Encyclopedia