コガネムシ

こ

が

ね

む

し

Freq.FrequencyTop 100,000

Meanings

1

noun

scarab beetle; scarabaeid beetle

usually written using kana alone

General term for beetles of the family Scarabaeidae, often referring to the common metallic-green species found in Japan.

庭にわでコガネムシを見みつけた。

I found a scarab beetle in the garden.

2

noun

Mimela splendens; metallic-green scarab beetle

Specifically the species Mimela splendens, a bright metallic-green beetle common in Japan and often the default image of コガネムシ.

コガネムシは金きん属ぞく光こう沢たくのある緑みどり色いろをしている。
The Mimela splendens beetle has a metallic green sheen.

Kanji

黄yellow
金gold
虫insect, bug, temper
亀tortoise, turtle
子child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM

Related words

カナブン
カナブン is another common metallic-green beetle (Rhomborrhina japonica) often confused with コガネムシ; カナブン is slightly larger and has a different body shape.
ハナムグリ
ハナムグリ refers to flower chafers (subfamily Cetoniinae), which are also metallic but typically have a flatter body and are often seen on flowers.

Built from

黄こ金がね+虫むし

Written forms

コガネムシUsage51%
kana-only spelling
Katakana spelling is common for this insect name; usually written in kana.
黄こ金がね虫むしUsage46%
Kanji spelling; less common than kana forms.
こがね虫むしUsage4%
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; occasionally seen.
金亀子こがねむし
Ateji spelling; very rare and not recommended for learners.

Etymology

Compound of 黄金 (kogane, 'gold') and 虫 (mushi, 'insect'), referring to the metallic golden-green color of the beetle. The exact origin is uncertain, but the name is descriptive of its appearance.