Nutrient composition of the long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens Serville: Effect of swarming season and sourcing geographical area

This research investigates the effect of swarming season and sourcing geographical area on the nutrient composition of R. differens. On a dry matter basis, protein (34.2-45.8%) and fat (42.2-54.3%) are the major macronutrients. Leucine (80. 9-88.5), lysine (54.0-69.8) and valine (59.2-61.8) are the most abundant essential amino acids (EAA) (mg/g protein). Tryptophan is the most limiting EAA. Its EAA composition is like the children and adults' reference protein. Its fat is highly unsaturated (63.5-64.7). Oleic (38.4-42.7), linoleic (19.0-23.0) and palmitic (26.6-27.8) fatty acids (FA) (g/100 g total FA) are the most abundant. Geographical area significantly influences its mineral content within seasons. Season significantly influences its fat, protein, ash and mineral content but not its AAs' and FAs' content. Both factors significantly influence its vitamin B12 content (0.73-1.35 mu g/100 g).