Mar 16, 2014 - 1 min read

Nature of Ebino Kogen Campground

Autumn pines, mosses, grasses, and a beetle

By Tristan Scholze

Community writer

An earth-boring scarab beetle, likely an oosenchikogane (Geotrupes auratus auratus), soaks in the autumn sunshine

This cute ball of bright green appears to have two kinds of moss, with the majority probably Scott’s fork-moss (Dicranum scottianum)

Susuki is a widespread, culturally significant, and quite beautiful autumn grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

Kirishima Japanese red pines, or akamatsu, provide elegant shelter here; look close at their trunks and you'll notice the distinctive red bark

A variety of mosses can be found here

This curly emerald patch on a branch appears to be dusky fork-moss (Dicranum fuscescens)

Miyama Kirishima, a kind of azalea, or tsutsuji (Rhododendron kiusianum), thrives on this volcanic plateau; the bushes cover the park in brilliant pink during May and June

Another view of the earth-boring scarab beetle from above

This excellent campground in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park spreads over hills sheltered by Japanese red pine, or akamatsu. The forest floor is covered in grasses, most notably the spectacular autumn susuki. On this day in mid-October, I also found a few charming species of moss and a colorful beetle. Near the campground are the Ebino Eco Museum Center, the Ikemeguri Nature Trail through forests and around volcanic lakes, and a hike across a sulfurous landscape, beautiful fields, and up to the peak of Mt. Karakuni.

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Tristan Scholze

By Tristan Scholze

Community writer

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Victoria Vlisides

Victoria Vlisides 8 years ago

Wow~ amazing photos

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Jeradyne Cheong

Jeradyne Cheong 9 years ago

Whoa, nice close-up on that first picture!

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Tristan Scholze

Tristan Scholze Photographer 9 years ago

Thank you! It was a very cooperative little critter, posing patiently.

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