木食い虫 (きくいむし) Japanese meaning | KotomoraMeanings
1
noun
bark beetle
usually written using kana alone
Specifically refers to beetles of the family Scolytidae that bore into tree bark.
2
noun
gribble; grain borer; wood borer
usually written using kana alone
Broader term for various wood-boring organisms, including marine isopods (gribbles) and insects that damage timber or grain.
Single-character rare form.
Kanji
蠹moth, insects which eat into clot
Similar words
- シンクイムシ
Refers to stem borers or heartwood borers, often moth larvae, while キクイムシ is more general for wood-boring beetles and crustaceans.
- カミキリムシ
Longhorn beetles; their larvae bore into wood, but the adult is distinct. キクイムシ usually refers to smaller bark beetles or borers.
Etymology
Compound of 木 (ki, 'wood') + 食い (kui, 'eating', from 食う) + 虫 (mushi, 'insect'). Literally 'wood-eating insect'.
