Edible insects in China: Utilization and prospects

The use of edible insects has a long history in China, where they have been consumed for more than 2000 years. In general, the level of acceptance is high for the consumption of insects in China. Many studies on edible insects have been conducted in the last 20 years, and the scope of the research includes the culture of entomophagy and the identification, nutritional value, farming and breeding of edible insects, in addition to food production and safety. Currently, 324 species of insects from 11 orders are documented that are either edible or associated with entomophagy in China, which include the common edible species, some less commonly consumed species and some medicinal insects. However, only approximately 10 to 20 types of insects are regularly consumed. The nutritional values for 174 species are available in China, including edible, feed and medicinal species. Although the nutritional values vary among species, all the insects examined contain protein, fat, vitamins and minerals at levels that meet human nutritional requirements. Edible insects were, and continue to be, consumed by different ethnic groups in many parts of China. People directly consume insects or food products made from insects. The processing of products from insect protein powder, oil and chitin, and the development of healthcare foods has been studied in China. People also consume insects indirectly by eating livestock that were fed insects, which may be a more acceptable pathway to use insects in human diets. Although limited, the data on the food safety of insects indicate that insects are safe for food or feed. Incidences of allergic reactions after consuming silkworm pupae, cicadas and crickets have been reported in China. Insect farming is a unique breeding industry in rural China and is a source of income for local people. Insects are reared and bred for human food, medicine and animal feed using two approaches in China: the insects are either fully domesticated and reared completely in captivity or are partially raised in captivity, and the insect habitat is manipulated to increase production. Depending on the type of relationship the insect has with humans, plants and the environment, different farming strategies are used. The social and scientific communities must work together to promote the use of insects as food and feed.     

Anthropo-entomophagy: Cultures, evolution and sustainability

Environmental cycles and human factors have altered ecosystems throughout the world. Natural resources have acquired high value because they are important to life and the survival of human beings. Among these resources are edible insects. They have many important features and, to date, up to 2086 species are consumed by 3071 ethnic groups. Rural people, who primarily search, gather, fix, commercialize and store this important natural resource, do not exterminate them. This is because rural people exploit only the central part of the insects' population curves. Nonetheless, some species are overexploited. Anthropo-entomophagy (eating of insects by humans) constitutes a major source of nutrition and these foods are eaten in 130 countries, with the African and American continents being the most entomophagous until now. It exists in protocultures (care is given to the edible insect species) and formal cultures, such as in Mexico, which date back to prehisphanic times. According to anthropologists the "saving gene theory" is based on insect ingestion, which, since the Paleolithic era, has given human beings reproductive success. The evolution of anthropo-entomophagy has been achieved in many ways, from the point of view of collection, fixing, marketing and consumption, and for the insects' organoleptical qualities. The sustainability of these species is fundamental; therefore, it is necessary to take certain measures for species conservation. In Mexico, more than 100 species of edible insects have been tested for their sustainability over 500 years, from the Spanish conquest to the present.     

辽东栎叶片昆虫取食形状多样性及其变化模式

取食辽东栎(Quercus liaotungensis)叶片的植食性昆虫有丰富的多样性和重要的生态功能,昆虫取食叶片留下的形状变化多,易观察,可以作为昆虫物种多样性监测的手段之一。研究北京西部东灵山地区辽东栎叶片被植食性昆虫取食状况,发现昆虫对辽东栎叶片的危害非常普遍,叶片被食频率约为90％,被食面积约5％,取食状可分为9类,其中以缘食和孔食为主,共记录20余种植性昆虫,其中蛾类幼虫和甲虫是主要取食种类,植食性昆虫集中出现在叶片发育的早期阶段（5－6月份）,7月份后,大多数幼虫发育成熟,取食叶片的面积减少。各取食状所涉及昆虫种类的组成不同,面积呈不同的季节变化模式,其中缘食状和孔食状之间有显著的正相关关系;辽东栎叶片在展叶初的叶面积最低,在7月底均达到最大值,然后呈下降趋势,单位面积重量也在展叶初最低,在6月底接近最大值,不同坡向的辽东栎林和叶片面积,单位面积重量及叶片被食面积均有显著差异,偏阳坡（东南坡） 高于偏阴坡（西北坡）。以上结果表明,辽东栎叶片维持了昆虫物种多样性,昆虫的生长发育与辽东栎的物候规律相互协调,昆虫种类的取食呈季节和空间变化。     

Anthropoentomophagic biodiversity of the Zongolica region, Veracruz, Mexico

Anthropoentomophagic biodiversity of the Zongolica region, Veracruz, Mexico. During two and a half years (2003-2005) we recorded the insect species used as food at Zongolica, Veracruz State, Mexico. Interviews were made among people (200) of this municipality to know which insects they consumed. The total of registered species was 57 (Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Megaloptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera). The Orthoptera was the most frequently ingested. Twenty-four of these species were new records for edible insects of Mexico. They are eaten in immature stages or as adults, generally only roasted. Consumption is seasonal. Some species are commercialized in the "tianguis" (little town markets) and/or in the larger Zongolica market. There is a "protoculture" of three species, one cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae Fabricius) and two moths (Latebraria amphipyroides Guenée and Arsenura armida armida Cramer). In Zongolica, anthropoentomophagy is an ancestral habit.     

拉祜族食用花卉的民族植物学研究

应用民族植物学的方法,对拉祜族的食用花卉进行了调查和研究,发现有相当多的花卉种类在一个狭窄的范围被一个单一的民族食用,实属罕见;首次全面报道了拉祜族食用花卉92种,分别属于37个科。其食用过程中的加工方法和烹调技巧都有讲究,食花的部位也有所选择。探讨了地域差别与食用花卉的异同,发现同一民族在不同地域环境或具有一定地理距离时,其选择的食用花种类有很大的不同,这与他们的生活习惯、居住环境及海拔高度有着极为密切的关系。有些植物分布区域很广,但不是分布区域内的同一民族都会选择食用它们;有些植物在不同的区域内虽然都被食用,但食用的目的和意义并不如一。还探讨了拉祜族食用花卉的重要性,以及其文化意义及开发利用前景。     

Feasting on insects

Insects are an important natural resource, both for self-sufficiency and as commercial food products in many parts of the world. The use of edible insects reflects regional preferences and socio-cultural significance, which can be described in terms of regional differences. This study describes some edible insects in three regions: Japan, Southeast Asia and Southern Africa, and focuses on systems of traditional practices as the socio-cultural implications of people's preferences regarding edible insects. The case studies presented here describe such insect-related customs as the continuation of the traditional practice of insect eating in Japan, Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. These case studies describe the uniqueness or special characteristics of the custom, and the significance of its existence in the social sphere. Edible insects are regarded as cultural resources reflecting a rich biodiversity. They represent an alternative source of natural food resources in remote or mountainous areas. People who eat insects have established a broad variety of methods for collecting and cooking the rich diversity of edible insect species that are available. However, increases in demand could lead to competition and overexploitation, resulting in the future decline of these resources. In areas affected by overdevelopment, insect habitats are also likely to decline. It is necessary to raise people's awareness of the importance of the use of insects for food in order to ensure that insects are used in a sustainable manner, and to promote their proper use and conservation.     

桂西壮族饮食文化中野生食用植物的民族植物学研究

运用民族植物学方法,以广西西部的1市1区10县为研究区域,对桂西壮族饮食文化中利用野生食用植物的传统知识进行了调查和研究.结果显示:桂西壮族饮食文化中常用的野生食用植物有46科102种,其中菊科(Asteraceae)种类最多(13种),其次为苋科(Amaranthaceae)、伞形科(Umbelliferae)、蔷薇科(Rosaceae)和豆科(Leguminosae)(各6种).食用部位常为嫩枝叶、果实、全株、花、根和茎等,其中,食用部位为嫩枝叶的种类最多(48种),食用部位为根和茎的种类最少(8种),食用部位为果实、全株和花的种类分别有18、17和11种.食用方法有炒、煮汤、生食、凉拌、水煮、茶饮、上汤和配菜等,常见的食用方法为炒和煮汤.采摘时间主要为春季和夏季,部分种类可全年采食.不同区域的壮族民众对野生食用植物的选择具有随机性,主要依据方便、易得、适用、无污染等标准进行选择,且生活在不同区域、不同环境的壮族民众对野生食用植物的选择具有较明显差异.综合分析结果表明:桂西壮族民众拥有丰富的利用野生食用植物的传统知识,具有食用植物种类丰富、食用部位多样、食用方法多样等特点,形成了富有民族特色的饮食文化.此外,根据研究结果,对桂西壮族特色饮食文化的保护和传承进行了探讨,并对当地野生食用植物资源的可持续利用提出了一些建议.     

MEIMAN: Database exploring Medicinal and Edible insects of Manipur

We have developed MEIMAN, a unique database on medicinal and edible insects of Manipur which comprises 51 insects species collected through extensive survey and questionnaire for two years. MEIMAN provides integrated access to insect species thorough sophisticated web interface which has following capabilities a) Graphical interface of seasonality, b) Method of preparation, c) Form of use - edible and medicinal, d) habitat, e) medicinal uses, f) commercial importance and g) economic status. This database will be useful for scientific validations and updating of traditional wisdom in bioprospecting aspects. It will be useful in analyzing the insect biodiversity for the development of virgin resources and their industrialization. Further, the features will be suited for detailed investigation on potential medicinal and edible insects that make MEIMAN a powerful tool for sustainable management. AVAILABILITY: The database is available for free at www.ibsd.gov.in/meiman.     

中国古生代化石昆虫研究回顾

自林启彬先生1978年命名了我国第一个古生代昆虫至今, 中国学者共发表20余篇分类学论著, 描述鉴定我国古生代昆虫共61种, 归属于9目（总目）。这些标本分布于西北、 西南、 华东等9省区, 其中石炭纪47种, 二叠纪14种。本文统计了我国已发现的古生代化石昆虫属种名录以及它们的分布和地质年代, 总结了国内古生代化石昆虫当前的研究状况和发展趋势, 并分析了研究中存在的问题。其中关于化石昆虫普遍存在的脉序差异问题需给予足够的重视, 高级阶元的建立应更加慎重。研究表明我国古生代昆虫已经高度分异, 古翅类、 新翅类均已出现, 且代表着有翅昆虫辐射演化的重要阶段。     

论我国昆虫多样性的保护与利用

本文论述了保护昆虫多样性的意义、我国昆虫多样性的基本特点及面临的问题、昆虫多样性的保护战略和利用对策。文中强调指出,昆虫是生物界的一个主要类群,在我国,需要防治的害虫大约只占全部昆虫种类数的1%,其余种类对人类都是有益或者是中性的,它们不仅可以作为显花植物的传粉者、为人类提供食物和各种工业原料,而且可以作为许多害虫或杂草的天敌,以及用于环境净化和科学研究。我国由于地域辽阔,生境复杂,因此,昆虫种类极为丰富,珍稀物种及有益昆虫较多。然而,由于受到人类活动的干扰,我国昆虫多样性面临着生境遭到破坏,物种濒于灭绝,天敌大量减少等问题。为了有效地保护和利用我国的昆虫资源,作者提出了一些战略和对策。     

Ecological diversity of edible insects and their potential contribution to household food security in Haut‐Katanga Province,Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has a wide diversity of edible insects making it one of the most important biodiversity hot spots in Africa. The aim of this study was to give the first insight into the food plant range, seasonal availability of edible insects, community preference and willingness to consume them. The study revealed a list of eleven edible insect species belonging to four families. Twenty‐six plant species were recorded as food plants of nine edible caterpillar species. Seasonal availability of these insects coincided with the rainy season and was strongly linked to relatively high level of consumption. The caterpillars Elaphrodes lactea Gaede, Lobobunaea saturnus Fabricius and Cinabra hyperbius (Westwood) as well as the termites Macrotermes falciger Gerstäcker were the most dominant species of edible insects preferred and consumed among the different communities. Our study demonstrates that entomophagy is a common practice among the ethnic populations with married, tertiary and university‐level individuals recording significantly higher consumption of edible caterpillars. Populations between the ages of 18 and 45 years as well as the Bemba tribe were also more actively involved in entomophagy. Further research would be necessary to exploit edible insect biodiversity and ethno‐entomophagy and initiate actions for food plant conservation in DR Congo.     

Current issues involved with the identification and nutritional value of wood grubs consumed by Australian Aborigines

The so called witchetty grub is a publicized food source for Australian Aborigines. Despite heavy use, the identities and number of species consumed is still not known because of the lack of identified voucher specimens. Taxonomy based on adults makes identification of larval forms difficult. Dwelling in the root, trunks, and stems of woody plants, grubs are a reliable and highly valued food source that may be in decline. Much information on edible insects may already be lost in parts of Australia heavily settled by Europeans. However, there are many parts of Australia where information on edible insects is still strong and needs to be recorded accurately for long‐term use. Recent identification of “witchetty grubs” from the witchetty bush at Barrow Creek has revealed that those there, based on their DNA, are not Endoxyla leucomochla. As grubs are collected and eaten before they mature and scientific taxonomy is based on adults, there are many unanswered questions on the grub identification and biology, host plants, and plant and grub distributions.     

都江堰地区灌丛内袍栎橡子的捕食和搬运

从2000年9月至2002年12月,以四川都江堰常绿阔叶林灌丛内的优势种--枹栎(Quercus serrata)为研究对象,研究了昆虫、鼠类和真菌对枹栎橡子的捕食和搬运.结果表明(1)取食橡子的鼠类的群落结构和数量在年间差异较小,这可能与三年间袍栎橡子的产量相对稳定有关;(2)袍栎橡子的虫蛀率在三年间存在显著性差异,范围在14.17%-32.49%之间;(3)鼠类的就地取食和搬运是影响种子库内橡子命运的主要因素;(4)橡子虫蛀率的变化影响鼠类的觅食活动.鼠类对饱满橡子和虫蛀橡子的选择性取食和搬运可能影响许多坚果植物(栎树)的自然更新过程[动物学报50(4)535-540,2004].     

Insect-eating by sympatric Lowland gorillas (Gorilla g. gorilla) and chimpanzees (Pan t. troglodytes) in the Lopé Reserve,Gabon

Sympatric populations of lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in the Lopé Reserve in central Gabon consumed insects at similar average frequencies over a 7-year period (30% versus 31% feces contained insect remains). Data came mostly from fecal analysis supplemented by observation and trail evidence. The weaver ant (Oecophylla longinoda) was the species eaten most frequently by both gorillas and chimpanzees. Other species of insects wore eaten but there was virtually no overlap: Chimpanzees used tools to eat Apis bees (and their honey) and two large species of ants; gorillas ate three species of small ants. Thus, despite their shared habitat, the esources utilized were not identical as gorillas do not show the tool-use “technology” of chimpanzees. The frequency of insect-eating by both species of ape varied seasonally and between years but in different ways. This variation did not seem to be related to the ratio of fruit to foliage in their diets. Gorillas of all age-classes ate insects at similar rates. Comparisons with insectivory by other populations of gorillas indicate differences exist. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla g. beringei) in the Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda, consume thousands of invertebrates daily, eating them inadvertently with handfuls of herbaceous foods but they deliberately ingest insect-foods only rarely. Lowland gorillas at Lopé habitually ate social insects, and their selective processing of herbaceous foods probably minimizes inadvertent consumption of other invertebrates. Gorillas at Belinga in northeastern Gabon, 250 km from Lop6, ate social insects at similar rates but ignored weaver ants in favor of Cubitermes sulcifrons, a small species of termite that occurs at Lopé but was not eaten by gorillas. This indicates that local traditions similar to those reported for chimpanzees also exist amongst populations of gorillas. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

都江堰地区灌丛内迺栎橡子的捕食和搬运(英文)

从 2 0 0 0年 9月至 2 0 0 2年 1 2月 ,以四川都江堰常绿阔叶林灌丛内的优势种———栎 (Quercusserrata)为研究对象 ,研究了昆虫、鼠类和真菌对栎橡子的捕食和搬运。结果表明 :(1 )取食橡子的鼠类的群落结构和数量在年间差异较小 ,这可能与三年间栎橡子的产量相对稳定有关 ;(2 )栎橡子的虫蛀率在三年间存在显著性差异 ,范围在 1 4 1 7% - 32 4 9%之间 ;(3)鼠类的就地取食和搬运是影响种子库内橡子命运的主要因素 ;(4 )橡子虫蛀率的变化影响鼠类的觅食活动。鼠类对饱满橡子和虫蛀橡子的选择性取食和搬运可能影响许多坚果植物 (栎树 )的自然更新过程     

The degree of oligophagy in Locusta migratoria (L.)

• 1 Locusta migratoria in the field feeds mainly on grasses, including cultivated species, but there are numerous reports of feeding on other monocotyledons. Feeding on dicotyledons is reported, but in many cases non-grasses are only accepted in the absence of grasses. Previous laboratory work also indicates that grasses comprise the main food, though other plants are eaten.
• 2 Field observations on nymphal bands in Australia show that the insects select grasses within the habitat; dicotyledons are generally rejected.
• 3 The feeding response to 209 species of plants from fifty-six families was tested. The grasses and some Cyperaceae and Juncaceae were generally fully eaten. Some other monocotyledons, such as palms, were also accepted though only small amounts were eaten; orchids and lilies were rejected. Very few dicotyledons were eaten. The dicotyledons which were eaten after 5h without food were rejected after only 1 h; the grasses were readily accepted after the shorter interval
• 4 The degree of oligophagy depends on the choice of food available and the time for which the insect has been deprived of food and water. Grass is normally eaten if available; in its absence, insects which have been without food for some hours will feed on a wide range of plants, but the amounts eaten are usually small.

     

Consumer preference for edible insect‐containing cookies determined by conjoint analysis: An exploratory study of Korean consumers

Consumers are the principal agents of consumption when edible insect cookies are launched into the market; therefore, there is a need for research into consumer perception of this product and the factors that could affect their choice. Therefore, through this study, we aimed to provide such information for the development and launch of edible insect cookies. We investigated the importance of product features of edible insect cookies and the part‐worth of the feature levels while predicting the market share of edible insect cookies that are currently in development. We constructed 16 main and four hold‐out profiles from six product features and 16 levels of features. Following analysis of data collected from 203 of 250 respondents, product features were found to be important in the descending order of “type”, “price”, “size”, “availability of nutrition facts”, “thickness” and “use of edible insects”. When the market share of an edible insect cookie with the optimal combination of product features was analyzed through choice simulation, it had the second‐highest share in the cookie market, thus suggesting a direction for the development of edible insect cookies.     

Changes of amino acid composition and protein technical functionality of edible insects by extracting steps

Interest in edible insects is increasing with increase population and food demand, and research on their applications is underway. Quality changes of protein during extraction from edible insects are crucial for food application. Therefore, we investigated the amino acid composition and protein technical functionality extracted from three different edible insects (Tenebrio molitor, Allomyrina dichotoma, Protaetia brevitarsis). Three steps used for protein extraction were: grounding, de-fatting, and extraction. Essential amino acid index was increased undergone protein extraction steps. Allomyrina dichotoma had the best value at all steps and Protaetia brevitarsis was followed. The pH values of the extract increased with each step except for Tenebrio molitor. Further, lightness, redness, and yellowness decreased generally. Protein molecular weight differed according to species and Protaetia brevitarsis had the widest protein bands after extracting. Through extraction steps, foam capacity and stability were improved and emulsion capacity and stability did not improve dramatically. In conclusion, Protaetia brevitarsis was the most suitable edible insect to use for protein sources and protein extraction can be useful way to improve protein technical functionality of edible insects.     

近年来中国热带地区外来有害昆虫的种类特征及入侵分析

我国热带地区是外来入侵物种发生与危害的重灾区,近年来外来有害昆虫入侵所引发的生物灾害及生态安全问题日趋严峻。在海南省、广东省、广西壮族自治区、云南省、福建省外来入侵昆虫的调查结果及文献资料的基础上,整理分析了中国热带地区外来入侵昆虫的种类构成、分布、原产地及首次发现地。据统计,2000-2014年我国热带地区的外来入侵昆虫种类共计23种,隶属于6目11科,数量最多的为半翅目(13种,56.52%),其中以粉蚧科和粉虱科居多;热带地区的外来入侵昆虫在不同地区之间的物种数量差异较大,其中海南省最多(19种,82.61%),其后依次为广东省(16种,69.57%)、云南省(14种,60.87%)、广西壮族自治区(12种,52.17%),而福建省最少(9种,占39.13%);在入侵我国热带地区的外来有害昆虫中,原产于亚洲、北美洲的种类最多均为6种,占26.09%,南美洲占21.74%,而从非洲、大洋洲、欧洲传入的分别占8.70%、4.35%、4.35%;外来入侵昆虫的首次发现地位于广东省的有9种,占39.13%,出现在海南省和云南省的各占30.43%、21.74%,出现在广西壮族自治区的为8.70%。阐明我国热带地区外来有害昆虫的种类特征及入侵现状,可为该地区外来入侵昆虫的监测与防控提供一定的依据。     

江西省鄱阳湖自然保护区昆虫区系初探

据对有较详细分布资料的220种昆虫的分析,鄱阳湖自然保护区昆虫属东洋界范畴,但已接近古北界南缘;昆虫种类形成了古北,东洋两大区系成分交叉重叠现象．亦是两大区系交叉过渡地带。在我国东部地区,与鄱阳湖共有种的分布规律为随着纬度的增高而递减。本文论述了鄱阳湖33种昆虫在我国东半部分布的南北限。