Short Communication |
Corresponding author: Matan Shelomi ( mshelomi@ntu.edu.tw ) Academic editor: Michel Lecoq
© 2020 Mahmood Kolnegari, Mohammad Naserifard, Mandana Hazrati, Matan Shelomi.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Kolnegari M, Naserifard M, Hazrati M, Shelomi M (2020) Squatting (squatter) mantis man: A prehistoric praying mantis petroglyph in Iran. Journal of Orthoptera Research 29(1): 41-44. https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.29.39400
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A 14-cm motif of a six-legged creature with raptorial forearms was discovered in the Teymareh rock art site in central Iran (Markazi Province) during a 2017 and 2018 survey of petroglyphs or prehistoric stone engravings. In order to identify it, entomologists and archaeologists compared the motif to local insects and to similar motifs and geometric rock art from around the world. The inspected motif resembles a well-known ”squatter man” motif based on aurora phenomena and found all over the world, combined with a praying mantid (Mantodea), probably a local species of Empusa. The petroglyph proves that praying mantids have been astounding and inspiring humans since prehistoric times.
archaeology, cultural entomology, Mantodea, paleoart, rock art
Rock art is visible in much of the world and is an integral part of the history of humankind, serving as a form of nonverbal and visual communication (
Zoomorphic petroglyphs comprise a considerable amount of rock art and attract zoologists’ attention throughout the world.
In Iran, zoomorphic petroglyphs are found in mountainous regions that were inhabited by nomadic tribes (
An engraved, arthropod-like image with a length of 14 cm and a width of 11 cm (Fig.
“Squatting mantis man” petroglyph. A. The inspected petroglyph, located in Teymareh Region, Khomein County, Markazi Province, Iran. IFRAO (International Federation of Rock Art Organizations) Standard Scale: 10 cm from end to end. Photo credit: M. Naserifard. B. Black and white drawing of the motif (illustration by M. Kolnegari).
Locality of the “squatting mantis man” petroglyph. A. Map of Iran with Markazi Province highlighted and the location of the Teymareh petroglyph site labeled on the insert in red (illustration by M. Kolnegari). B. Sarkubeh Village as seen from the petroglyph site. C. The Teymareh petroglyph locality. Photo credit: M. Kolnegari.
To identify the depicted organism, taxonomic methods were used. In particular, we analyzed morphological characters and compared the petroglyph to arthropods known to be distributed in this area and their behavioral characteristics. The motif was also compared with ancient anthropomorphs and anthropomorphized animal images in Iran and other countries to find possible similarities. The comparisons were independent of scale and rotation.
The inspected petroglyph represents a six-legged creature with grasping forelegs, and so was identified as a praying mantid (Mantodea). Characteristics of the petroglyph are a large triangular head equipped with a vertical extension, large eyes, opened forelegs, intermediately looped mid-legs, and curved hind-legs (Fig.
Praying mantids with records in Iran. A. Adult Bolivaria brachyptera Pallas, 1773, with raised and opened forelimbs in a deimatic display. B. Adult Holaptilon brevipugilis Kolnegari, 2018. C. Empusa hedenborgii Stal, 1877, with opened forelimbs. D. Conehead mantis Empusa pennicornis (Pallas, 1773). Photo credit: M. Kolnegari.
The specific shape of the mid-legs and hind legs are the deceptive parts of the motif that could mislead the identification process. In fact, the entire appearance of the motif is comparable with particular anthropomorphs that show a man-like figure having two dots on either side of the midsection: e.g., fig. 14 in
While it is difficult to interpret prehistoric petroglyphs, morphological similarity and distinct features suggest the inspected petroglyph likely symbolizes a praying mantid. Mantid-like motifs have been found in several regions around the world—some were even considered as alien symbols (
The main question is why prehistoric man was fascinated by mantids as far back as at least 4,000 years ago, and, consequently, why did they start scratching their images into solid rocks? Might it be related to
Unlike large mammals with practical connections to humans, such as those hunted or domesticated, arthropods are more rarely depicted in ancient petroglyphs. The useless but astonishing praying mantids could have merited petroglyphs of their forms by being part of ancient religions, fears, or admirations. The praying mantis has since ancient times been a symbol for the supernatural, or that which stands between “the world of men and gods” (
The authors are thankful for the support of the Orthopterists’ Society. We would also like to thank the people of Khomein city who make efforts to protect ancient petroglyphs.