クワガタ

Etymology

Short for 鍬形虫(くわがたむし). A 鍬形(くわがた) is the pair of horn-like crests on a samurai helmet, which the male's jaws resemble.

Cultural note

• Stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles (カブトムシ) are extremely popular among Japanese children.
• They are often kept as summer pets and are associated with summer vacation activities.
• Department stores and pet shops sell them during summer.

Common collocations

• クワガタを捕(つか)まえる (to catch a stag beetle)
• クワガタを飼(か)う (to keep a stag beetle as a pet)