1.
rhinoceros beetle; Japanese rhinoceros beetle
A large beetle with a horn-like projection, popular among Japanese children as a pet.
カブトムシ is one of Japan's most popular insects among children.
Name origin: 兜 (samurai helmet) + 虫 (insect), named after the horn resembling a helmet.
Cultural note
- Popular summer activity for children to catch them
- Often kept as pets in plastic cases
- Sold at pet stores and department stores
- Featured in games, anime, and media
Related: クワガタ (stag beetle) - equally popular
Related Words
Related:
クワガタ (stag beetle)
Related:
昆虫 (insect)
Related:
虫 (bug, insect)
Related:
てんとう虫 (ladybug, ladybird)
Compare:
コガネムシ (scarab beetle)