The giant 'half human half mantis' creature

The researchers found a half-human, half-human mantis dating back 4,000 to 40,000 years in a remote mountainous region.

The carving reflects the Mesopotamian interest in mantis.(Photo: Newsweek).

The unique work on stone was discovered in Markazi province in central Iran during a petrographic survey from 2017 to 2018. After seeing the unusual carving, researchers at Azad University asked a Archaeological experts help. They published details of findings on March 13 in the journal Orthoptera Research.

The carvings often depict large animals, however, they depict a 6-legged creature belonging to a group of invertebrates. The creature has a triangular head, large eyes and mantle-like legs. Upon further analysis, the team concluded it was Empusa, a mantis in Iran . They also noted the symbol for the image "squatting man". According to the researchers, this carving appears to be a combination of a mantis and a squatting man.

Animal carvings in the Iranian mountains were created by nomadic tribes in the region. The project of surveying petroglyphs to identify the animals is described.

"Human interest in mantises may have existed since prehistoric times, " the team explained. "The mantis is of great significance to the Mesopotamian people. The main question is why prehistoric humans were attracted to mantis from at least 4,000 years ago and why did they carve them on hard rock?"

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