Tree Nymph Chosen as Okinawa’s Prefectural Butterfly New Symbol Established for the First Time in 48 Years

Tree Nymph Chosen as Okinawa’s Prefectural Butterfly New Symbol Established for the First Time in 48 Years

The tree nymph butterfly


April 2, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

On April 1, the tree nymph was established as the Prefectural Butterfly of Okinawa, the prefecture’s newest symbol. Previously, there were six established Prefectural Symbols, including the Prefectural Emblem, the Prefectural Flower (deigo flower), and the Prefectural Tree (ryukyumatsu or Okinawa pine tree). The Prefectural Butterfly is Okinawa’s seventh symbol, and the first symbol established in 48 years.

Okinawa is the second prefecture to choose a Prefectural Butterfly following Saitama. The tree nymph is part of the family Nymphalidae, and is one of the biggest butterflies in Japan. The tree nymph is widely distributed throughout Okinawa and familiar to Okinawans. The butterfly has white wings with black spots and the pupa is yellow.

Establishing the Prefectural Butterfly will be an opportunity to deepen understanding of Okinawa’s unique natural abundance through its well-known fauna, beginning with the tree nymph, and to work to spread awareness and common knowledge. This will lead to a stronger desire to grow and protect the prefecture’s natural environment.

The Selection and Advisory Committee established by the prefectural government recommended the tree nymph be chosen after it received the most votes in the “Haberu General Election” held by the Prefectural Residents for Establishing Okinawa’s Prefectural Butterfly Association and Ryukyu Shimpo Co. Ltd. in 2017.

(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)

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