Appasus japonicus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Appasus japonicus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Male with eggs | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Family: | Belostomatidae |
| Genus: | Appasus |
| Species: | A. japonicus |
| Binomial name | |
| Appasus japonicus Vuillefroy, 1864[1] | |
| Synonyms | |
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Appasus japonicus is a species of giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae. It is found in Japan and Korea,[2] and has been much studied because it provides an example, rare among insects, of paternal care of the young.[3] With the destruction of its typical habitat and its poor dispersal abilities, it has been listed as being an endangered species in Japan.[4]
Appasus japonicus grows to a length of about 16 to 21 mm (0.6 to 0.8 in), rather smaller than the otherwise similar Appasus major.[5] Three clades have been identified genetically, two in Japan, separated by mountain ranges, and one in Korea.[4]
Distribution and habitat
Appasus japonicus occurs in freshwater habitats in much of Japan, but not in the Ryukyu Islands,[5] and it also occurs in Korea. It is found in lakes and ponds, side pools and backwaters of rivers, marshes and bogs. As development has reduced these types of habitat, it has taken to living in rice paddies and agricultural water stores.[4] It tends to inhabit warmer habitats than A. major, and occurs at lower densities.[5]
