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: ハンミョウ
I found a tiger beetle on the mountain path.
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.
Standard kanji spelling for this word.
Alternate kanji spelling; may be confused with 道教 (どうきょう, Taoism).
Rare kanji spelling.
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.