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

Abstract

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.