Taiheiyo evergreen forests

Four-tipped Darter (Sympetrum eroticum) was observed on 2026-10-05 in Tama. Multiple Sympetrum species remain active on the wing through early October, a period when autumn-flying darters peak before the first freezes arrive.

White-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum albistylum) was observed on 2026-10-05 in Yokohama. Autumn dragonflies remain active through early October as temperatures gradually cool, extending the flight season for late-summer emergents into fall.

Brown Winged Plant Hopper was recorded on 2026-10-05 at multiple sites across the region including at the horticultural school. This introduced hemipteran pest continues active dispersal in early autumn, likely feeding on cultivated and native plants before winter dormancy.

Pond Sliders were recorded on 2026-10-05 at two locations in Tokyo including at a residential area. These introduced turtles continue to occupy urban waterways in the region despite their invasive status, competing with native species.

Christella acuminata, a threatened fern, was observed on 2026-10-04 in Renkoji, Tama. This species is listed as threatened and represents a significant record for the ecosystem where native ferns are part of the forest understory.

Autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) was observed flowering on 2026-10-05 in Tama. This native Japanese vine produces fragrant white flowers from late summer through October, covering support structures as other plants fade.

Sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans) was observed flowering on 2026-10-05 in multiple locations including Musashino and Bunkyo. The species blooms in late summer and autumn, with peak flowering in October across Japan.

A Common Ringed Plover was sighted on 2026-09-22 at Funabashi Sanbanze Seaside Park. The species is a scarce migrant in Japan, occurring primarily from April into May and August through September, with juvenile peak passage from mid-September to October.

Chinese Pond Turtles, flagged as both threatened and introduced, and introduced Red-eared Sliders were recorded 16 times around Tokyo between August 22 and September 14, including at the Imperial Palace, Edogawa City and Chiyoda. Exotic turtle populations persist in Tokyo region waterways despite invasive status, competing with native reptiles in urban wetlands.

A vulnerable Chinese Egret was recorded on 2026-09-17 at Funabashi Sanbanze Seaside Park. The species is a long-distance migrant using Japan as non-breeding passage habitat on its route from East Asian breeding areas to Southeast Asian wintering grounds.