Glossary entry

English term or phrase:

devil's coach-horse

Arabic translation:

الخنفساء الشيطانية/العقربية

Added to glossary by Randa Farhat
Mar 16, 2005 20:51
19 yrs ago
English term
Change log

Jun 7, 2005 03:15: Fuad Yahya changed "Field" from "Other" to "Science"

Proposed translations

1 day 1 hr
Selected

الخنفساء الشيطانية - الخنفساء العقربية

suggesting this name الخنفساء العقربية
because of this fact:
".. The other popular name for this beetle is 'cocktail', because of its habit of raising its tail like a scorpion when it feels threatened. It cannot sting like a scorpion, but it does have another, rather bizarre defense mechanism."
http://www.uksafari.com/devilscoach-horse.htm
another suggestion would be similar to given in above annswers:
الخنفساء الشيطانية، خنفساء حصان عربة الشيطان
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
+1
14 mins

خنفساء الشـيطان، خنفساء ذيل الديك

I have not come across a standard Arabic name for this insect, as it is a European beetle, but I have looked it up for you on http://www.wikipedia.com, and found out a few things about the name(s) of this creature that might help with coining a name for it. For instance:

"It is well known for its habit of raising its long and uncovered abdomen and opening its jaws, rather like a scorpion when threatened. This explains one of its alternative names, the cock-tail beetle."

"This beetle has been associated with the Devil since the Middle Ages, hence its common name. Other names include Devil's footman or Devil's steed. In Ireland the beetle is known as darbhadal (literally Devil's beast) and it is said that the Devil assumes the form of this beetle to eat sinners. As with many supposed bringers of ill-luck superstition holds that people can turn the creature's powers to their own advantage and it is said that reapers used to enclose the body of a Devil's coach horse beetle in the handle of their scythes to improve their skill. The origin's of these beliefs can perhaps be explained by the beetle's threatening appearance, and its habit of eating carrion."
Peer comment(s):

agree Mazyoun
17 hrs
Something went wrong...
+2
12 hrs

فرس الشيطان

This is what we call this insect in Lebanon
Peer comment(s):

agree Dina Abdo
3 hrs
thanks
agree Mazyoun
5 hrs
thanks
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+1
12 hrs

حصان إبليس

I hear حصان إبليس since I was a kid. But I'm not sure if this is known just locally.
Peer comment(s):

agree Mazyoun
4 hrs
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