swift moth; Endoclita excrescens
Refers to moths of the family Hepialidae, especially the species Endoclita excrescens found in Japan. Typically written in katakana in biological contexts.
The larvae of the swift moth are known as pests that bore holes in trees.
Katakana spelling is common for this insect name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 蝙蝠 (こうもり, 'bat') and 蛾 (が, 'moth'), referring to a moth that is active at dusk like a bat. The exact derivation is uncertain.