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Author: suzukake

When Japanese start caring rhinoceros beetles? ?>

When Japanese start caring rhinoceros beetles?

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As I described in “Stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles in Japanese culture”, caring rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles is common in Japan. Then a question arose in my mind: when these insects became popular? Was it originated in Edo or Meiji era, in which the insects were seen in Japanese paintings? Singing insects in Japanese culture Much earlier than rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles become popular, Japanese people enjoyed singing of insects. The oldest evidence appears in the Man’yōshū, which is…

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Stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles in the current Japanese culture ?>

Stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles in the current Japanese culture

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Stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles are popular among children, also among adults recently, in Japan. It is common to see DIY stores and pet shops selling those insects and products for catching/caring them in summer season. (Pictures: Products in a DIY store for caring stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles.)I felt this is usual, probably because I have only lived in Japan. However I found several articles that realized me that this culture would be unique. Let me introduce you some of them. I…

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Insect Fair (Tokyo) ?>

Insect Fair (Tokyo)

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I joined Insect Fair, which is an annual event selling insect specimens at Otemachi, Tokyo. Total 1,200 m2 area was occupied for this event, but this was not enough to accommodate many visitors. I felt difficulty to walk around the aisles because of the crowdedness. The visitors have diversities, including man and women, children, adults and seniors. Since the photo-taking is prohibited in the event area, I will describe the event based on my experience and memory. In the middle…

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“Pheromone” by Christopher Marley ?>

“Pheromone” by Christopher Marley

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If you like beautiful insects, I recommend you a photo-book provided by Christopher Marley. In his book “Pheromone”, we can see colorful insects arranged in an artistic pattern at real size. This book broadened my view on insects. Before I read this book, scarab beetles were not my interest because they do not have spectacular appearance. However, I changed my mind after seeing their shiny metallic colored species in the book. Also beautiful weevils in this book turned to be…

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Making a specimen – Mounting the stag beetles with their wings open ?>

Making a specimen – Mounting the stag beetles with their wings open

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I learned how to make specimen of an open winged stag beetle. The opportunity was given as an small group seminar.  I thank the teacher Mr. Inoue for providing this educational opportunity. Lucanus maculifemoratus was the one to be made. The insect was died several years ago and softened by hot water today. I was used to touch stag beetles for long years, but this is the first opportunity for me to open the wings of the insect. Using pins…

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