Bugs on a Train

The kuwagata gal

The Tobu Urban Park Line which runs between Funabashi and Omiya Stations has its depot at Nanakodai Station in Noda City. When you pass through this sleepy suburban station, you'll see many Tobu train staff starting or finishing their days. The staff spends a lot of time here at the dining hall and the dorms, and it's got a "homey" atmosphere. And the station attendants have brought their pets!

On display next to the ticket gates are species of huge beetles. There are a guy and a gal kabuto mushi, a female kuwagata, and a male nokogiri kuwagata.

I was admiring them, shooting photos and the station attendant at the gate said, "Aren't they cute?" They are in their own way, bumbling about and clambering over each other in their terrariums. The station attendant was beaming and offered to let me hold them, but I said no thanks. He's a proud bug daddy. 

Greeting train passengers

The only other station I've noticed with fauna is on the Chiyoda Line, with fish tanks full of colorful koi.

Do stations on your local train line have interesting displays?