In almost all times and in many regions, locusts stand for terror and loss. This insect species was feared for its voracity, which in most cases led to the destruction of the harvest and ultimately to the loss of livelihood for humans and animals. Not for nothing do swarms of locusts count as one of the biblical 'Ten Plagues'. Nevertheless, these animals are depicted in various genres of art and strikingly often in glyptic art.
Gem paintings often show the locust in combination with ears of corn or grapes, which can be interpreted as a reference to the preferred plants of these insects, which are considered polyphagous. The idea behind this motif was defence through deliberate representation. The image of the locust thus took on an evil-defending, apotropaic character against itself. Nevertheless, they were considered a delicacy by the Parthians and occasionally by the Greeks. (AVS)
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