Module 12 - Insects in Human Culture

Question 1

Cultural Entomology

Answer 1

The study of the ways insects and other arthropods influence aspects of human culture including music, food, myths, and more

Question 2

Insects in Myths and Stories

Answer 2

1. Cherokee ppl of North America tell a tale of creation, in which a water beetle plays an important part
2. Creation tale told by the San ppl of the Kalahari desert, that credits a bee and a mantis with the origin of man
3. Perhaps the best-known insect myth is that of the Egyptian scarab, which was a symbol of rebirth after death
4. Bees were said to be tears of the sun god, Ra, that fall from the sky to deliver messages to mankind (Egyptian mythology)
5. Bees present in Greek mythology: 3 nymphs with the heads of women and the bodies of bees told to have prophetic powers, and gifted the god Apollo with the gift of prophecy
6. Insects cast in a negative light in Christian bible; ten biblical plagues invoked on ppl of Egypt (3 of which were caused by insects); Dante’s inferno depicts eternally swarmed by stinging wasps