The Hidden Symbolism of Insects in Western Painting

Byzantine, Gothic and Early Renaissance paintings are rich in philosophical and Christian symbolism regarding insects. Most prominently featured Insects in Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance Painting

Cicada - symbol of prayer, sanctuary and hope

Caterpillar - symbolize the life cycle, regeneration, rebirth

Fly - symbol of rot, wasting away, decay, death, melancholia

Wasp - indicates the presence of evil; of the devil, Satan's henchmen are close at hand, fallen angel, the apocalypse

Bee - symbol of martyrdom (the bee sacrifices his own life to save the hive)

Dragonfly -symbol of free will

Ladybug - symbol of healing, restoration and divinity

Beetle - symbol of salvation, immortality

Butterfly - symbolize the life cycle, regeneration, resurrection

Ant - symbol of destruction, homicide, defeat.