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Inspired by insects

Insects have been thriving on Earth for millions of years. In addition to their significant roles in the ecosystem, insects also deeply inspired human culture and technology.

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A scarab beetle rolling an ancient Egyptian amulet instead of a dung ball.

A scarab beetle rolling an ancient Egyptian amulet instead of a dung ball. Image: © Martin Breu

Ancient people could not ignore insects due to their vast numbers, diversity, and vivid colors, and had included them even in the earliest art forms. The cricket, engraved on a bison bone unearthed in France, is the oldest insect model we know of to date, estimated to be around 14 000 years old. 

However, one insect outshines on others as it is explicitly used in ancient Egypt: the scarab beetle (Scarabaeus sacer). Its first known use dates back to 3 000 B.C. and its symbolism has evolved over time. In ancient Egyptian religion, Ra, the Sun God was linked to the scarab beetle, which pushes its dung ball akin to Ra ferrying the sun daily across the sky on its celestial journey. However, Egyptians were misinformed about the life cycle of the scarab beetles as they thought all of them were males and they magically came to life from the ground! That was the main reason for attributing godly features to this charismatic insect.

One of Tutankhamun’s treasures discovered in his tomb was a necklace with three scarab beetle figures.

One of Tutankhamun’s treasures discovered in his tomb was a necklace with three scarab beetle figures. Image: Creative Commons/ddenisen, CC license.

Naming a county after an insect?

The ancient Egyptians were not the only civilization inspired by insects. For example, Japan, formerly known as Akitsu-shima, which means "Dragonfly Island," holds dragonflies in high regard. In Japanese culture, dragonflies are respected for their agility and warrior-like qualities, symbolizing samurai. As a result, samurai often used dragonfly motifs on their swords, helmets, and other artifacts. Today, dragonflies remain beloved, especially by children in Japan, with the red dragonfly song by poet Rofu Miki being one of the country's most popular children's songs.

Movies featuring insects

Insects are often seen as pests, stingers, and unwelcome visitors in our homes, a perception that has even inspired film directors. Many of these films tap into society's fear of insects and belong to the horror genre, with David Cronenberg's "The Fly" being a prime example. The movie follows scientist Seth Brundle's horrifying transformation into a giant fly, a disturbing change that continues to unsettle audiences decades later, making it one of the most notable modern monster movies and a top contender for the best horror remake.

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On the other hand, the animation "Maya the Honeybee" captivated children's imaginations by portraying insects as friendly, relatable characters, helping to diminish fears and misconceptions. Through Maya's adventures, children learned about the importance of bees and other insects in nature, fostering curiosity and respect for the natural world. The show's vibrant animation and engaging storytelling encouraged young viewers to appreciate insects as fascinating and essential creatures, rather than just pests.

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Insects not only become the subject of art, but also the artist

Some artists revolutionized the art world by using insects not merely as subjects, but as creators of art themselves. While insects have commonly appeared in various art forms, the concept of employing them as actual artists—using their movements and natural behaviors to create unique pieces—was groundbreaking. Kutcher, for example, harnessed the footprints of insects, guiding them across paint to produce intricate patterns that merge nature with creativity. This innovative approach challenges traditional artistic methods and introduces a fresh perspective on the role of insects in art. On the other hand, John Knuth used fly dropping to generate abstract paintings. 

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Insects inspire us in more than just art; they also influence technology and engineering. Their designs, like the structure of wings and eyes, have led to inventions like drones, robots, and eco-friendly buildings. By learning from these tiny but efficient creatures, we discover new ideas that help us solve problems and create new technologies. 

This topic covers interviews with artists and scientists who use insects as the core of their work. Check below the related articles to discover the role of six-legged fellows in our culture and technology. 

References

Barrett AK. 2022. Wax, Wings, and Swarms: Insects and Their Products as Art Media. Annual Review of Entomology 67:281–303. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-ento-020821-060803

Ratcliffe BC. 2006. Scarab Beetles in Human Culture. Coleopterists Society Monograph 5: 85–101 https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/entomologypapers/94

Hoy S. 201. What Does a Dragonfly Symbolize in Japanese Culture?https://discover.silversea.com/destinations/asia/dragonflies-in-japan/#:~:text=An%20archaic%20name%20for%20dragonflies,that%20Japan%20resembled%20a%20dragonfly. Accessed 22.8.24

The author

20221110 2108 copy

Dr. Kaan Mika

ETH Zurich - The Biocommunication Group

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