Insect fighting

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1903 illustration of Chinese insect fighting, by French artist Andre Castaigne Grillenkampf in China 1903.jpg
1903 illustration of Chinese insect fighting, by French artist André Castaigne

Insect fighting is a range of competitive sporting activity, commonly associated with gambling, in which insects are pitted against each other. [1]

Contents

Background

Forms of insect fighting as spectator sport are practiced in regions of China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. Some types have a long history; for example, cricket-fighting is a traditional Chinese pastime that dates back to the Tang dynasty (618–907). Originally an indulgence of emperors, cricket fighting later became popular among commoners. [2] Beetle-fighting, with such beetles as the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, Xylotrupes socrates , Dorcus titanus , Goliathus , and dynastinae beetles also occurs, especially in Japan. [3] [4] There is also an online fan community, watching those fights in videos on different platforms. [1] A YouTube community also strives in creating content for insect-fighting.

Japanese Bug-Fights (世界最強虫王決定戦) [5] [6] refers to a DVD video series featuring various kinds of insects, arachnids, and other creatures battling to the death in a little plastic arena. Only two bugs participate in a fight at a time, and most fights end with one bug killing its opponent. In some cases, the fights end in a draw if neither bug is able to kill its opponent. It also comes with two beetles fighting mainly Rhinoceros Beetles and Stag Beetles.

Cricket-fighting in China. Cricket fighting in China.JPG
Cricket-fighting in China.

The Chinese Cricket Championships is an annual cricket-fighting competition held in Beijing. It lasts for two days and usually takes place during autumn, when crickets are said to be at their prime age. Significant investment is put into making sure the crickets can perform at their best. It is said that the crickets are given a diet of bean paste and water to help with their training. [7] Crickets are divided into weight classes, much like how human fighters are divided in boxing and mixed martial arts.

Betting

At many insect fights, gamblers stake money on an insect. Betting on insect fighting is illegal in many places and has occasionally led to arrests and casualties.

In November 2018, the New York Post reported that an illegal cricket fighting ring was discovered in a casino featuring bets that went up to 140,000 dollars; two arrests were made. [8]

In the Philippines, there have been reported fights that have caused casualties due to disputes over betting from spider fights. In one incident, a 15-year-old fatally stabbed a 13-year-old over an unpaid debt that amounted to 10 cents.[ citation needed ] In another incident, one man was killed and another injured when shots were fired after a dispute over the winnings. [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stag beetle</span> Family of insects

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese rhinoceros beetle</span> Species of beetle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crickets as pets</span>

Keeping crickets as pets emerged in China in early antiquity. Initially, crickets were kept for their "songs" (stridulation). In the early 12th century, the Chinese people began holding cricket fights. Throughout the Imperial era the Chinese also kept pet cicadas and grasshoppers, but crickets were the favorites in the Forbidden City and with the commoners alike. The art of selecting and breeding the finest fighting crickets was perfected during the Qing dynasty and remained a monopoly of the imperial court until the beginning of the 19th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human interactions with insects</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambling in Taiwan</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambling in Cambodia</span>

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<i>Xylotrupes socrates</i> Species of beetle

Xylotrupes socrates, commonly known as the Siamese rhinoceros beetle or fighting beetle, is a species of large scarab beetle belonging to the subfamily Dynastinae. It is particularly known for its role in insect fighting in Thailand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insects in Japanese culture</span>

Within Japanese culture, insects have occupied an important role as aesthetic, allegorical, and symbolic objects. In addition, insects have had a historical importance within the context of the culture and art of Japan.

References

  1. 1 2 Hartenberger, Carla (2008-03-31). "Bug Fights, Hot Trend". The Tyee. Retrieved 2019-07-11.
  2. Andrew Jacobs (November 6, 2011). "Chirps and Cheers: China's Crickets Clash". The New York Times. p. A6.
  3. Juni 2015, Beitrag von Galileo 14, Käfer-Hype in Tokio (in German), retrieved 2019-07-11{{citation}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. Inglese, Frank (2016-04-12). "A Look Into The Strange World Of Japanese Beetle-Fighting". SnapThirty. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved 2019-07-11.
  5. "Japan - Bug Fights". Vice Canada. 4 February 2008. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  6. Markowitz, Riki (20 May 2008). "Ultimate (Bug) Fighting Championship". Maxim. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  7. "Crickets battle it out at Chinese championships". South China Morning Post. 10 October 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  8. 1 2 Kaplan, Michael (2018-11-28). "Cricket fight fans bet $140,000 on illegal bug boxing matches". New York Post. Retrieved 2020-12-08.