What is entomophagy?
Insects make up between 70 and 85 per cent of all animal species and are one of the world’s most dominant life forms. Of the 1,500,000 known species, around 1000 are either consumed by humans today, or were consumed by humans in the past. The practice of eating insects is known as entomophagy. While many species of animals, including primates, eat insects, entomophagy refers to insect consumption by humans.
In various African, Asian and South American countries, insects are an ideal food source because of their plentiful supply and high nutritional content. Much of Western society, on the other hand, regards entomophagy with a level of revulsion (Gullan & Cranston 2010). Japan, Italy and Croatia are examples of developed countries where insects are traditionally eaten. With entomophagy becoming an increasingly popular subject, insects are becoming more readily available in restaurants globally, as well as via the internet.
In various African, Asian and South American countries, insects are an ideal food source because of their plentiful supply and high nutritional content. Much of Western society, on the other hand, regards entomophagy with a level of revulsion (Gullan & Cranston 2010). Japan, Italy and Croatia are examples of developed countries where insects are traditionally eaten. With entomophagy becoming an increasingly popular subject, insects are becoming more readily available in restaurants globally, as well as via the internet.