クワガタムシ
くわがたむし
noun
stag beetle
1.
stag beetle
A large beetle with distinctive mandibles that resemble deer antlers. Popular among Japanese children as collectible insects.
夏休みに山でクワガタムシを捕まえた。
I caught a stag beetle in the mountains during summer vacation.
クワガタムシは夜行性だ。
Stag beetles are nocturnal.
息子がクワガタムシを飼いたがっている。
My son wants to keep a stag beetle as a pet.
ETYMOLOGY:
The name comes from 鍬形 (hoe-shaped decoration on samurai helmets) + 虫 (insect), referring to the beetle's large mandibles that resemble this decoration.
ABBREVIATION:
Often shortened to クワガタ in casual speech.
POPULAR HOBBY:
Collecting and raising stag beetles (昆虫採集) 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:
- クワガタムシを飼う (to keep a stag beetle)
- クワガタムシを捕まえる (to catch a stag beetle)
- クワガタムシの幼虫 (stag beetle larva)
- クワガタムシの餌 (stag beetle food - usually tree sap or jelly)
Related Words
Related:
カマキリ (praying mantis)