noun
bell cricket
A common autumn insect known for its clear, bell-like chirping. Often kept as a pet or appreciated in Japanese culture.
秋になると、鈴虫がきれいな声で鳴き始める。
In autumn, bell crickets start chirping with a beautiful sound.
Archaic use for the pine cricket (マツムシ). Modern Japanese uses マツムシ for this insect.
See also: マツムシ
古い文献では、鈴虫がマツムシを指すことがある。
In old texts, 鈴虫 can refer to the pine cricket.
マツムシ is the modern standard name for the pine cricket, while 鈴虫 in archaic usage could refer to it.
The name 鈴虫 (すずむし) literally means 'bell insect', referring to the bell-like sound of its chirp. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.