ENTOMOPHAGY AROUND THE WORLD
Who eats insects?
Over one quarter the world’s population eat insects out of choice because of their palatability and established place as a food source in many cultures. There are up to 1900 identified species consumed in 113 countries around the world.
What kind of insects?
Globally, the most commonly consumed insects are beetles at 31% - beetles also make up the 40% of all known edible insect species. The next most consumed bugs are caterpillars at 18%, particularly popular in sub-saharan Africa. Bees, wasps and ants at 14% are largely consumed in Latin America. Following these are grasshoppers, locusts and crickets at 13%, cicadas, leaf and plant hoppers at 10%, termites and dragonflies at 3% each, flies at 2% and other orders at 5%. Spiders and scorpions aren’t technically insects, but come under the class of arachnids and have been grouped into the ‘other’ category.
Is eating insects like eating shellfish?
Insects are Hexapods, and could be considered cousins to Crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and prawns. So if you’re cool with eating shellfish, maybe it’s time to consider bugs as an equally delectable land-based treat?
References
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2013, ‘Edible Insects: Future prospects for food and feed security’ available from http://www.fao.org/edible-insects/en/