Bugbear

A bugbear is "an imaginary being invoked to frighten children, typically a sort of hobgoblin supposed to devour them." The most common visual representation is from Dungeons and Dragons, which doesn't really look like a bug OR a bear. But bugbear also means "a cause of obsessive fear, irritation, or loathing." Let's try a more literal understanding of "bugbear" by combining the two in interesting ways. There are many kinds of bugs and bears that could combine. Dark and cute can combine. They may have interesting abilities or habits. For instance, a stink bug could create a cloud of dark Miasma Clouds, which could cause sudden, obsessive fear, irritation, or loathing in attackers. Maybe the bear has holes where bees live, and instead of eating, the bees store honey inside the bear. The bees might defend it when attacked. These are just some ideas to start you off!