noun
Specifically refers to the bombardier beetle, especially Pheropsophus jessoensis. Rare term; more commonly called 三井寺歩行虫 or へっぴりむし.
See also: 三井寺歩行虫 · 屁っ放り虫 (へっぴりむし)
放屁虫は、敵に襲われるとお尻からガスを噴射する。
The bombardier beetle sprays gas from its rear when attacked by an enemy.
noun
Also used for stink bugs (椿象), though this usage is less common and may be considered a misapplication.
See also: 椿象
庭の野菜に放屁虫がついて困っている。
I'm having trouble with stink bugs on the vegetables in my garden.
Compound of 放屁 (hōhi, 'farting') + 虫 (mushi, 'bug'), literally 'farting bug', referring to the insect's defensive spray.