Bess bug is an American common name for beetles of the family Passalidae — large, shiny black beetles found in decaying wood, also known as patent leather beetles or horned passalus. They are notable for making squeaking sounds and for their somewhat social behaviour, unusual among beetles. The name 'Bess' is of uncertain origin but may be a folk name. They are a familiar sight in rotting logs in the southeastern US and are sometimes kept by entomology enthusiasts.
The kids found a Bess bug under the log pile and spent an afternoon watching it squeak when prodded.
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(US) Any of various beetles of the family .
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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