Death beetle (death beetle) - Death beetle

Japanese: シバンムシ(死番虫) - シバンムシ

A general name for the Anobiidae family of beetles (Coleoptera). This unusual name comes from the English name "deathwatch beetle," which was translated as "shiban" (death number) and used as the Japanese name. Approximately 1,200 species are known from around the world, and about 40 species are known from Japan. Most are 2-6 mm long. Their bodies are cylindrical with their heads pointing downwards. Their antennae are often serrated or comb-like. When they sense danger, they fold up their antennae and thoracic legs in a feigned death. Both adults and larvae feed mainly on dry plant matter, and many are known as pests.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

甲虫目(鞘翅（しようし）類)のシバンムシ科Anobiidaeの総称名。この変わった名は英名のdeathwatch beetleのdeathwatchを死番と訳し，和名としたことによる。世界から約1200種，日本から約40種が知られる。体長2～6mmのものが多い。体は円筒形で頭部は下を向く。触角はしばしば鋸歯状や櫛歯（くしば）状となる。危険を感ずると触角や胸脚をたたみこんで擬死をする。成虫，幼虫ともに主として乾いた植物質を食するため害虫として知られるものが多い。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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