drone beetle; Pseudotorynorrhina japonica
A specific metallic green beetle often found on tree sap in summer. In everyday Japanese, カナブン usually refers to this species.
In summer, drone beetles gather on the sawtooth oak tree.
Broader, less precise use; sometimes applied to similar-looking beetles, but the primary meaning is the drone beetle.
The drone beetle is a kind of scarab beetle.
Katakana spelling is standard for this insect name; the word is usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Rarely used kanji form.
Rarely used kanji form.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 金蚊 (literally 'gold mosquito') is likely ateji based on the beetle's metallic sheen and buzzing flight.