(こうちゅう)

こうちゅう
noun
beetle
1. beetle
An insect of the order Coleoptera, characterized by hardened forewings (elytra) that cover the hindwings. The largest order of insects.
カブトムシは甲虫(こうちゅう)一種(いっしゅ)です。
The rhinoceros beetle is a type of beetle.
甲虫(こうちゅう)(かた)(はね)()っています。
Beetles have hard wing covers.
世界(せかい)には(おお)くの種類(しゅるい)甲虫(こうちゅう)がいます。
There are many species of beetles in the world.

甲虫(こうちゅう) refers to beetles (Coleoptera).

(こう) means "shell/armor" and (ちゅう) means "insect," referring to their hard wing covers.

Common beetles in Japan:

  • カブトムシ (rhinoceros beetle) - popular pet for children
  • クワガタムシ (stag beetle)
  • テントウムシ (ladybug)
  • コガネムシ (scarab beetle)

甲虫(こうちゅう) form the largest order of insects, with over 350,000 known species worldwide.