Entomophagy

feeding behaviour that uses insects as food or feed

Entomophagy is a term of Ancient Greek origins, and means using insects as a source of food. It can be found in insects that eat other insects, birds, amphibians and mammals. Non-human animals that feed on insects are known as insectivores.

Women selling cooked beetles in Zimbabwe.
Deep fried insects sold at food stall in Bangkok, Thailand.

The term also describes human insect-eating, which can be found in parts of North, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Insect-eating is uncommon, or even taboo in some societies.[1][2][3][4]

References

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  1. Weiss, M.L., & Mann, A.E. (1985). Human Biology and Behaviour: An Anthropological Perspective. Boston: Little Brown & Co. ISBN 0-673-39013-6.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. McElroy, A., & Townsend, P.K. (1989). Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-0742-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. Saggers, S., & Gray, D. (1991). Aboriginal Health & Society: The Traditional and Contemporary Aboriginal Struggle for Better Health. Sydney: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86373-057-5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. Gordon, David George (1998). The Eat-A-Bug Cookbook. Berkely, California: Ten Speed Press. ISBN 0-898-159-776.