A Praying Mantis in Full Yellow Discovered by Elementary School Student in Okinawa — Experts Surprised by Its "Extremely Rare" Identity

1. What Happened: Elementary School Student Discovers "Golden Mantis"

On August 31, 2025, in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, at Yae-dake (Yae-dake, Motobu Town), a second-grade student from Haebaru Town North Hill Elementary School, Yuma Uechi (7), discovered a mantis entirely yellow. While visiting the mountain with his grandmother, he noticed something like a "yellow leaf" on a tree, approached it, and instinctively realized it was an insect. With the help of his uncle, he successfully collected it. "I was happy because it was the first time I saw one," he commented. **His dream is to become an "insect scientist"** in the future.Okinawa Times + Plus

The discovered specimen is believed to be a Hierodula patellifera (nymph), as pointed out by Professor Mitsuru Moriguchi of Okinawa University (Science Education). Professor Moriguchi stated, "Yellow is a first," suggesting the possibility of explaining it through a genetic mutation affecting pigment production.Okinawa Times + Plus

2. What is "Hierodula patellifera"?: A Common Large Species in Japan and Okinawa

Hierodula patellifera is a mantis commonly found in Japan (from Honshu southward to the Nansei Islands). It is characterized by its broad thorax, white spots on the forewings, and the posture of nymphs raising their abdomen. In Okinawa, it is known to occur twice a year. Adults are green to brown, with green individuals being the majority.Honda JapanOrthoptera.jp

Key Identification Points
・Body length is approximately 5-7cm (adult) / Broad thorax
・Nymphs tend to raise their abdomen
・In Okinawa, often observed at forest edges and on shrubs
・Color is primarily green, with brown morphs occasionally present (yellow morphs are extremely rare) Orthoptera.jpHonda Japan

3. Why Does It Turn Yellow?: Perspectives on Pigment Mutation, Development, and Environment

3-1. The "Pigment Anomaly Hypothesis" at the Genetic Level

As suggested by Professor Moriguchi, the current specimen may be explained by a mutation in genes related to pigment production (phenomena similar to xanthochromism or pigment deficiency). The molecular mechanisms of color formation are often shared across insects and vertebrates. For example, in silkworms, mutations in genes such as yellow or ebony are classically known to cause changes in body color. There are also reported cases of convergent changes in pathways like melanin and carotenoid across different biological groups.PMC+1

※Which specific gene is mutated in this specimen is unverified. This is merely a hypothesis from general color genetics.Okinawa Times + Plus

3-2. "Normal Color" and Developmental Stages: Green→Brown General Trend

In many mantises, including Hierodula patellifera, green is predominant in juveniles, and they may transition to brown as they grow, molt, and adapt to their environment (varies by species and individual). Recent studies have discussed ecological and behavioral adaptations related to green in the juvenile stage→brown after growth. Yellow is an exceptional body color outside the usual spectrum.Brill

3-3. Camouflage and Selective Pressure

Body color has been evolutionarily selected in the context of predator-prey arms races. Green and brown are camouflage colors that blend into leaves, branches, and bark. While yellow can match with dead leaves or petal environments, it may stand out in evergreen forest environments, leading to it being rare in the long term (hypothesis). On the other hand, as a "secondary effect", it may also impact mating behavior or heat balance, but precise verification in the wild is challenging.

4. Are There Precedents?: Reports of "Yellow Mantis" Across Japan

"Yellow mantis" is a **"rare phenomenon" that tends to make news, with sporadic reports** domestically.

• In Iwata, Shizuoka, there was a case of a "lucky yellow mantis" (nymph) being found (2017, with photos).Asahi Shimbun

• In Kagoshima, fully yellow individuals were reported in gardens and during school observations, with experts explaining their rarity (2022–2023).TBS NEWS DIGFNN Prime Online

• In Okinawa, there was also a previous case in 2022 where a "yellow Usba mantis" became a topic of interest (different species).Asahi Shimbun

The news from Yae-dake, Okinawa, is positioned as an extremely rare case of a "yellow Hierodula nymph".Okinawa Times + Plus

5. The Field of Yae-dake, Okinawa: Notes on Geography, Climate, and Culture

Yae-dake is a mountain in Motobu Town, northern Okinawa, with an elevation of about 453 meters, known for its cherry blossoms and subtropical broadleaf trees. The surrounding area is part of the Yanbaru (northern Okinawa forest), a treasure trove of insect diversity. Haebaru Town is located southeast of Naha City in the central-southern part of Okinawa, offering good access to nature despite being near urban areas. Such proximity to nature likely brought the "unusual yellow" to the eyes of a child.

6. "Citizen Science" and Children: How Did They "Notice"?

Uechi noticed the **"yellow object that looked like a leaf" and deduced that it was "not a leaf due to the absence of nearby branches", concluding it was an insect. This was a result of his observational skills plus a bit of hypothesis thinking**. Photographing, consulting with nearby adults, and connecting with media—**a good example of Citizen Science**. The local newspaper (Okinawa Times) quickly connected with experts, creating a chain of knowledge.Okinawa Times + Plus

7. How to Observe and Handle: Guidelines for Photography, Collection, and Protection

• When photographing, include the environment: Capture the entire body, profile, underside, and habitat (leaves, bark).

• Use flash sparingly: Some individuals are sensitive to light at night.

• If handling, keep it brief and low-stress: Avoid holding the forelegs (scythes) or abdomen. Use a small case with ventilation for temporary observation.

• Identification requires "overall and specific": Look for the width of the thorax, white spots on the forewings, color inside the mouth, and spines on the forelegs (varies by species). For Hierodula, the broad thorax and white spots are key points.Orthoptera.jp

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