The number of humid days is increasing. The "Animal Plaza" at Inokashira Park Zoo is also gradually taking on its summer appearance, and the variety of creatures that can be observed is increasing.

From autumn to early summer, if you dig through the piles of fallen leaves in the plaza, you'll find tons of Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle beetle larvae! Sometimes kids start competitions to see who can find the most, and dads with sparkling eyes will start digging in the soil, completely ignoring their kids. It's become one of the most popular spots in the plaza.

Now, regarding Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle larvae in that pile of fallen leaves, they are currently transforming one after another into pupae in order to become adults. If the pupae are dug up or damaged, their jaws or legs may become deformed when they become adults, or they may die before they can become adults.

Therefore, the pile of fallen leaves used for Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle will be temporarily closed until the next larval season. We appreciate your understanding so that the larvae can grow into magnificent Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle!

Top photo: This year's Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle beetle larvae (1)
Photo center: This year's Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle beetle larvae (2)
Photo below: An Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle beetle discovered last year.

(June 9, 2014)