Unique Japanese Animals

burkhartdesu · (#1 (**permalink**))

Maybe you guys knows of a strange/unique animal exclusive/native to the Islands of Japan...

What do you know about the Japanese Hornet?

The Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia, also known as the Japanese hornet and known colloquially as the yak-killer hornet, is the world's largest hornet, native to temperate and tropical Eastern Asia. Its body length is approximately 50.8 mm (2.0 in), with a wingspan of about 76 mm (3 in).[1] Queens may reach a length of 55 mm (2.2 in).[2] Due to its size, it is known in Japan as the giant sparrow bee (大雀蜂 ,oo-suzumebachi?).

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Starairi · (#2 (**permalink**))

Oh my god.

If that thing ever came and sat itself on my hand I'd faint... And I'm usually not afraid of any kind of insects, but holy moly!

burkhartdesu · (#3 (**permalink**))

Or the Giant Japanese Salamander?

Koir · (#4 (**permalink**))

Yeesh. Imagine waking up one morning to find that thing licking your face.

And those hornets are tiny melee weapons away from being straight out of a RPG bestiary...

Nyororin · (#5 (**permalink**))

I can`t comment on the huge salamander - but I happen to love the tiny little ones that infest the in-laws home up in Fukui. It`s a whole lot cuter when a little salamander guy runs across your foot than a mouse or cockroach. Especially when you can catch them and they can`t bite strongly enough to so much as hurt, let alone break the skin.