長虫

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

長(なが)虫(むし) • (nagamushi) 

1. snake
2. worm

• 蛇(へび) (hebi)

By surface analysis, 長(おさ) (osa, “chief, head, strong point”) + 虫(むし) (mushi, “bug, insect”).

長(おさ)虫(むし) or 長虫(オサムシ) • (osamushi) 

1. ground beetle, carabid (Carabidae)

   オサムシ科(か)

   Osamushi-ka

   Carabidae

• As with many terms that name organisms, this term is often spelled in katakana, especially in biological contexts (where katakana is customary), as オサムシ (osamushi).