クワガタムシ

Etymology

The name comes from 鍬形(くわがた) (hoe-shaped decoration on samurai helmets) + 虫(むし) (insect), referring to the beetle's large mandibles that resemble this decoration.

Forms

Often shortened to クワガタ in casual speech.

Popular hobby

Collecting and raising stag beetles (昆虫(こんちゅう)採集(さいしゅう)) is a beloved summer activity for Japanese children. They are often kept alongside カブトムシ (rhinoceros beetles).

Common species

• オオクワガタ (giant stag beetle) - the most prized species
• ノコギリクワガタ (saw stag beetle)
• ミヤマクワガタ (deep mountain stag beetle)

Common collocations

• クワガタムシを飼(か)う (to keep a stag beetle)
• クワガタムシを捕(つか)まえる (to catch a stag beetle)
• クワガタムシの幼虫(ようちゅう) (stag beetle larva)
• クワガタムシの餌(えさ) (stag beetle food - usually tree sap or jelly)