Bug Note Episode 17: Bugs in Mythology and Cultural Traditions

About Episode 17

Storytelling is part of human nature. We tell stories to make sense of the world, which means we often include narrative elements that reflect the animals and places around us. On this episode of Bug Note, host Daniel Potter explores the role insects play in storytelling traditions around the world. He is joined by NHMU’s Invertebrate Collections Manager, Christy Bills. Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version.

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The Big Bad Wolf appears in a myriad of fairytales, a turtle and hare race in one famous fable, and tiny mice become the heroes of their own stories. But those aren’t the only animals who have made names for themselves across the storytelling stage. Insects, as it turns out, are popular symbols and characters within mythology, folklore, and fairytales. 

“There are a lot of fables around insects,” said Bills. “We notice that ants are super busy [and seemingly productive], so we attribute that to them being morally good. There’s a story about the ants and the grasshopper, with the grasshopper being ‘lazy.’ But really, grasshoppers die at the end of fall, you know, into winter. So, there isn't any reason for them to be busy.” 

We see examples of this in cultures around the world. In Europe, ladybugs were seen eating crop pests, which farmers saw as divine intervention. As a result, they became associated with the Mother Mary and her blessings. Butterflies, in many cultures, are viewed as the visiting souls of deceased relatives. 

These associations can be both positive and negative, even for the same insect. In some European traditions, for example, dragonflies are seen as a threat or bad omen. In many Native American cultures, however, they carry a positive association. Since dragonflies are found around water, they are often seen as symbols of prosperity and hope. 

One of Bills’ favorite bugs are fireflies, and in 2013, she helped establish the Western Firefly Project, which tracks firefly observations from Utah, as well as in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Wyoming. Fireflies are often fan-favorites in the bug world, and these glimmering icons also have stories associated with them. “Before we had an understanding of the enzymatic reaction that was happening with them,” explained Bills, “[there were stories] about them being the souls of departed loved ones. In Japanese culture, the mythology around it says they are the [souls of] departed samurais or soldiers that have fallen.” 

Why do we tell stories about bugs, and why do we try to find divine meaning in their existence? Well, we’re human. We long for meaningful connections — and connections can be easily made through the telling of stories. 

“I don't think there's anything that makes us more human than storytelling and our ability to convert the things in the world around us into narrative,” said Bills. “And the fact that insects play such a huge part in that is just part of how insects make us human.”

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About Bug Note

Bug Note is hosted by Daniel Potter, a science writer who's also worked in the world of public radio for many years, and who loves fresh air and storytime. He's joined by Dr. Jason Cryan, NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist, and Christy Bills, NHMU's Invertebrate Collections Manager, as well as other bug-loving guests. Video production by Blank Space. The podcast is created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Utah, with the expertise and support of its scientific, philanthropic, marketing, and education teams. Special thanks to NHMU friend and insect enthusiast Ted Fridirici.

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