みちおしえ

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: ハンミョウ

• 山やま道みちでみちおしえを見みつけた。

  I found a tiger beetle on the mountain path.

• みちおしえは、人ひとが近ちかづくと飛とんで少すこし先さきに降おりる。

  When you approach, the tiger beetle flies a short distance ahead and lands.