noun
tiger beetle; Japanese tiger beetle
Colloquial name for the tiger beetle, especially Cicindela japonica. The name literally means 'path guide', from the beetle's habit of running ahead on paths. Usually written in kana.
See also: 斑猫
山道でみちおしえを見つけた。
I found a tiger beetle on the mountain path.
みちおしえは、人が近づくと飛んで少し先に降りる。
When you approach, the tiger beetle flies a short distance ahead and lands.
斑猫 is the standard Japanese word for tiger beetle, while みちおしえ is a colloquial synonym.
From 道 (みち, 'path') + 教え (おしえ, 'teaching'), referring to the beetle's behavior of running ahead on paths as if guiding the way.