Human Consumption of Insects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lepidoptera and Potential Species for Breeding

Simple Summary In the developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, there is currently growing interest in the consumption of Lepidoptera larvae by humans, due to the important role they play in food security and poverty alleviation. In order to consider Lepidoptera larvae as sustainable alternative protein food, it is important to study the possibility of breeding the species of food interest. A previous literature review on Lepidoptera larvae consumed in Africa revealed a paucity of information on the bioecology of most species and examples of sustainable edible caterpillar rearing practices. This is not surprising given that most research focuses on aspects related to their consumption and nutritional composition. The aim of this work is to collect data on some aspects on their biology, their food plants and provide a guide to orientate the choice of species to raise. In addition, studies on the bioecology and husbandry of edible caterpillars should be more carried out for a sustainable and rational exploitation. There are 472 edible insect species in sub-Saharan Africa, of which 31% are Lepidoptera. Wild harvesting is still the main source of supply for these prized species to this day, with some harvesting techniques negatively impacting the environment. The successful production of edible caterpillars requires the appropriate and efficient implementation of husbandry techniques and practices. In this review, we present current literature on edible caterpillars. We provide a general overview of their life history, nutritional composition, and availability associated with specific host plants, with emphasis on semi-domestication and rearing practices that should replace wild harvest. Based on the assimilated information, a proposal of potential species for farming is provided, with details on key characteristics of development cycles to promote the establishment and development of sustainable farms of edible caterpillars at small and large scales. Such advances would contribute toward reducing anthropological pressure related to the exploitation of these food resources, as well as the environmental footprint of this widespread practice.

Automated summary

There is growing interest in consuming Lepidoptera larvae in sub-Saharan Africa due to their importance in food security and poverty alleviation. However, there is a lack of information on the bioecology of most species and sustainable rearing practices. This study aims to collect data on their biology and food plants, as well as provide guidance for species selection. Additionally, more research on the bioecology and husbandry of edible caterpillars is needed for sustainable exploitation and reduction of environmental impact.