#spotted beetle

“Overall about the size of my palm. Picture taken in Okinawa if that helps identify.” – @jngirl2 

Hello! Not only does it help, it was absolutely vitalin identifying this type of Longhorn Beetle. This particular Longhorn is ONLY found in Okinawa. It is a Fig Longhorn,  Batocera rubus Linnaeus  (”Ichijiku Kamikiri-Mushi”): See page here in Japanese.  

This Longhorn deposits its eggs in fig and mulberry trees. 

The larvae of the Longhorns bore into living trees (or untreated wood) and can be considered pests in some areas or ecosystems. It does not bite, sting or have poison, or have any other particular defense against humans. Some areas of the world have so much trouble with these beetles in trees that they are considered serious threats. However the Fig Longhorn does not appear in any lists of particularly vilified species.

Thank you for sending me this tropical beauty!