It looks like the red-necked longhorn beetle, an invasive alien species known for damaging cherry trees, has arrived in Nishinomiya.
(This information was provided by Iroha, a Nishitsu supporter. Thank you!)
Here it is↓
According to the Kobe Shimbun, it was found at Namaze Mukogawa Park in the northern Nishinomiya area.
Here it is on the map↓
The address is 2 Namaze Mukogawacho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Street View↓
It was in a totally ordinary park.
A local resident apparently found it on July 19 and reported it to Hyogo Prefecture. When a prefectural official checked the next day, it turned out to be an adult female.
Quoted from Wakayama Prefecture’s “Red-necked Longhorn Beetle Extermination Measures Manual (Provisional Version) PDF”
Apparently, they can lay up to more than 1,000 eggs, meaning they reproduce very quickly.
If you see wood shavings like the ones in the photo above, there is a high chance that a red-necked longhorn beetle is present. (Though it may also be another kind of longhorn beetle or ants.) If you find one, the prefecture asks that you report it immediately. Hyogo Prefecture Nature and Wildlife Coexistence Division TEL 078・362・3389
Finally
The location is in northern Nishinomiya City, but since it was first found in Ashiya City, it would be a problem if it were discovered around Shukugawa and other areas too. These insects apparently fly to move around and can travel 2 to 3 km. On top of that, they can also attach themselves to cars and travel long distances, so they seem like a pretty tough opponent.
*Iroha, Nishitsu supporter, thank you for the information!!
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