1.
insect, bug
A small invertebrate animal with six legs and typically one or two pairs of wings, such as beetles, butterflies, and ants.
Japan has many species of insects, and different insects can be seen in each season.
Japan has a rich tradition of appreciating insects, including keeping them as pets and listening to their sounds.
Major insect groups:
- 甲虫 (beetles) - カブトムシ, クワガタ
- 蝶 (butterflies)
- 蛾 (moths)
- 蜂 (bees, wasps)
- 蟻 (ants)
- 蝉 (cicadas)
- トンボ (dragonflies)
- バッタ (grasshoppers)
昆虫採集 (insect collecting) is a popular summer activity for children.
Cultural notes:
- 虫の音 (insect sounds) - appreciated in autumn
- 鈴虫 (bell crickets) kept for their song
- カブトムシ and クワガタ are prized pets
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Related Words
Related:
虫 (insect/bug (general))
Related:
蝶 (butterfly)
Related:
蛾 (moth)
Related:
甲虫 (beetle)