also: しょうちゅう
noun
small insect; midge
General term for any tiny insect, often used when the specific type is unknown or unimportant. こむし is the everyday reading.
窓から小虫が入ってきた。
A small insect came in through the window.
夏になると小虫が増える。
Small insects increase in summer.
noun
vermicule
Rare technical term for a small worm or worm-like larva. The reading しょうちゅう may be preferred in scientific contexts.
生物学の文献では「小虫」をしょうちゅうと読むことがある。
In biological literature, 小虫 is sometimes read as しょうちゅう.
Compound of 小 (small) and 虫 (insect). The reading こむし is the standard kun'yomi combination; しょうちゅう is the on'yomi reading used in specialized contexts.