Peek into a Tiny World: 'Aphid Observation Event' Participants Wanted (Nagano Prefecture, Karasugawa Valley Green Space)

The Karasugawa Valley Green Space in Nagano Prefecture will hold the 183rd 'Karasu no Gakko' (Crow School) 'Aphid Observation Event' on Saturday, June 27. The lecturer is Mr. Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, who has been researching aphids for many years and continues to convey their charm while teaching at a public junior high school. Although aphids are commonly known as pests, this event will introduce their interesting and fascinating ecology beyond that image. Aphid specimens observed under a microscope ◆ Delving into the Ecology of Aphids This is an observation event where you can learn more deeply about the interesting ecology of aphids, both in the field and indoors. Participants will search for aphids within the park and observe their ecology, including their relationship with plants and how they live. The collected aphids will be brought back to the lecture room, where participants will use microscopes to observe their detailed body structures and characteristics. The content is enjoyable for both adults and children. Field observation (Photo taken on 2025/6/15) ■ Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026 (Reiwa 8) *Event will be held rain or shine ■ Time: 13:00 - 16:00 (Reception starts at 12:30) ■ Location: Karasugawa Valley Green Space, Waterside Area, Environmental Management Office, Lecture Room ■ Lecturer: Mr. Yoshiyuki Matsumoto ■ Capacity: 20 people (Advance registration required by phone: 0263-73-0203) ■ Participation Fee: Free ■ Items to Bring: Drinks, writing utensils, field guides, etc. ◆ A Leading Aphid Researcher The lecturer is Mr. Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, a teacher at Yachiyo Municipal Owada Junior High School who continues his research on the relationship between Japanese plant groups and aphid fauna. He is a leading authority who has spent 50 years observing and researching aphids, and even discovered a new species in this park before its opening in 1988 (Showa 63). His commentary based on his extensive knowledge is highly anticipated. ◆ The Secret of Explosive Reproductive Power During the indoor observation, participants will dissect aphids and learn about the mechanism of parthenogenesis seen from spring to summer. Inside the body of an aphid that gives birth to offspring without mating, a 'Matryoshka phenomenon' can be observed, where the next generation of offspring is already inside the body of the offspring. This is a valuable opportunity to closely observe the unique reproductive mechanism of aphids through a microscope. Observation in the lecture room (Photo taken on 2025/6/15) Dissection of an aphid (Provided by Mr. Matsumoto) Nagano Prefecture Karasugawa Valley Green Space Karasugawa Valley Green Space Karasugawa Valley Green Space is a prefectural urban park located in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, consisting of two areas: the 'Waterside Area' and the 'Forest Area'. It was developed with the aim of conserving and utilizing the diverse natural environment, including the plants and animals that grow along the Karasugawa River valley, which originates from Mount Jonen and Mount Chogatake in the Northern Alps. Nagano Prefecture Karasugawa Valley Green Space Environmental Management Office (Designated Manager: Public Parks Foundation) 〒399-8211 26 Horigane Karasugawa, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture TEL/FAX: 0263-73-0203 https://karasugawa.com/ https://x.com/N_Karasugawa