Located at the west side of Yangmingshan National Park, Erziping is in the saddle between Mt. Datun's main peak and Mt. Erzi. It boasts a wide, open terrain with species of wildlife and a variety of nectar-bearing and grazing plants. There are a variety of aquatic plants in the ecological pool, the best habitat for frogs. The chorus of frogs croaking and butterflies dancing in the air has become the area's most beautiful sight. The recreation area has wooden trails, pavilions, chairs and other facilities, suitable for butterfly and bird watching, enjoying the scenery, hiking, and other activities.
Erziping Parking Lot
Get on 108 park bus at the Yangmingshan main bus terminal
Species of the Rhacophoridae family are arboreal. Toes spread into toe pads with Y-shaped cartilage inside. In between the last two joints are intercalary cartilage that aids in tree-climbing. Vertebrae are anteriorly concave. Sternum is shield-shaped. Tadpoles have one exhalent aperture on their left side. Possesses horn-like teeth. Body green to light green in color. Webbed feet and abdomen yellow without markings.
Its limbs are vestigial. Different from other types of snakes in that its tail is longer than its body, it has an indentation on both sides of its trunk as well as no visible neck, external ears, or closeable eyelids. Terrestrial. Feeds on worms and other benthic insects. Hibernates.
Beak and talons sharp and curved. Feeds on small animals. A large eagle with a crest. When in flight a distinctive white bar can be seen on the underside of its wings. Wings point slightly up when in flight. Emits a loud call while flying and is the noisiest bird of prey in Taiwan.
The Indian fritillary is the most numerous Nymphalidae in Yangmingshan from May to August. Its wings are a beautiful orange dotted with black leopard-like spots. The forewing tips of females are purple-black with white spots. Their appearance is similar to the poisonous plain tiger. Larvae feed on leaves of Violaceae plants and adults can often be seen nearby.
This butterfly has a huge forewing. Thorax and abdomen are yellow-brown in color. A vertical band, resembling veins on a dry leaf, extends from the tips of the forewing to the ends of the hind wings. When completely open, the hind wings are a rich blue with a bright orange band that is quite intimidating to potential predators. The orange oak leaf appears in wet forested areas and is found in larger numbers around Mt. Datun in July. It mimics dry leaves to escape detection from predators and prefers to feed on fermented fruit juices and tree sap.
Latin name: Woodwardia orientalis Sw. The Woodwardia orientalis is often found in sunny but wet forest areas in the bay area under 1,800 meters. It is a medium to large sized perennial ground fern. The sori are sunken into the back of the leaf along the main vein. On top of the leaf there are numerous little buds that fall off easily and are the fern's asexual propagules.
Latin name: Salvia inpponica var. formosana Salvia inpponica var. formosana belongs to the family Lamiaceae and its leaves are singular and oppositely arranged. Mature leaves exhibit a unique head shape while young leaves are egg-shaped. Petioles are light yellow and very long. Leaves are about 7 centimeters with serrated edges. The underside of the leaf is greenish white. The leaf is curved with pinnate veins and a clear grid. Flowering season is in October.
Latin name: Acer serrulatum Hayata Every year in autumn the green maple's leaves turn from yellow to red, adding much color and brilliance to its surroundings. The tree's name comes from its green bark. The leaves, opposite each other on the stem, are palmate with 5 to 7 lobes and form a serrated triangle. Fruit forms in the summer and glides along with the wind.
Latin name: Eupatorium shimadai Kitam It is an herb with single leaves growing in parallel pairs. The pinnate leaves are lance-shaped with long narrow tips. The leaves are between 2 and 7 centimeters long with serrated edges and glandular dots on their underside. Unlike other plants in the Asteraceae family, which are made up of clusters of tiny flowers, the Eupatorium shimadai’s blossom is formed from 5 small tubular flowers. The inflorescence is reddish with clustered and tight flowers. It flowers from May to July. The entire plant is fragrant.