Colloquial term for insects that emit a foul smell when threatened, especially the bombardier beetle. Often used by children or in casual speech.
I found a stink bug in the garden.
When a bombardier beetle senses danger, it releases a smelly liquid.
Common mixed kana-kanji spelling; the most practical written form for learners.
Kanji spelling using 屁 (fart) and 放き (release); rare and may be considered crude or old-fashioned.
Uses the old-style kanji 蟲 for insect; very rare and mostly historical.
Compound of 屁 (へ, 'fart'), 放き (こき, continuative form of 放く 'to release'), and 虫 (むし, 'bug'). Literally 'fart-releasing bug', referring to the insect's defensive odor.