Gender Variations in Nutritive Value of Adult Variegated Grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus (L) (Orthoptera:Pygomorphidae)

The medicinal and nutritional value of insects has contributed to the increase in entomophargy. This study examines the gender differences in the nutritive value of adult variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus. The proximate (crude protein, fibre ash, fat and carbohydrate), mineral (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe2+), vitamin (A, B-1, B-2 and C), anti-nutrients (flavonoids, tannin, saponin, alkaloid and antraguinone) assays and heavy metals compositions (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Ni) of newly emerged male and female adult Z. variegatus were analyzed by standard methods. Adult female Z. variegatus had significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein, ash, fibre and carbohydrate than the male. Similar trend was observed for mineral composition and vitamins assay of the adult insect. Anti-nutrients and heavy metal composition of the adult Z. variegatus varied from 0.210-8.82% and 0.113-1.264mg/100g, respectively with the female recording higher values. Adult female Z. variegatus is thus more nutritious than the male.