Entomophagy facts for kids

Women selling cooked beetles in Zimbabwe.

Deep fried insects sold at a food stall in Bangkok, Thailand.

Have you ever heard of eating insects? It's called entomophagy (say: en-toh-MAH-fuh-jee). This word comes from ancient Greek words meaning 'insect' and 'to eat'. It simply means eating insects as food.

Many animals eat insects. Think of birds, frogs, and even some mammals! Animals that mostly eat insects are called insectivores.

But did you know that people also eat insects? This practice is common in many parts of the world. You can find people eating insects in places like Africa, Asia, and parts of North and South America. However, in some societies, eating insects is not common or is even seen as strange.

What is Entomophagy?

Entomophagy is the practice of eating insects. It's a natural part of the food chain for many creatures. For example, some insects eat other insects. Many birds, amphibians (like frogs), and mammals (like anteaters) also have insects as a big part of their diet.

People and Insects as Food

For humans, eating insects has been a tradition for thousands of years. It's not just a survival food. In many cultures, insects are a tasty and important part of meals. They can be eaten raw, roasted, fried, or even ground into flour.

Where Do People Eat Insects?

People eat insects in many different places around the world. This includes parts of North, Central, and South America. It's also common in many countries across Africa and Asia. You can find insect-eating traditions in the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand too.

Why Do People Eat Insects?

Insects are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also often easier to raise than other animals, and they need less land and water. This makes them a very sustainable food choice. For many people, eating insects is simply a part of their culture and traditions.

Images for kids

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  Robber fly feeding on a wasp

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  Fried saturniid caterpillars being served on bread

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  Entomophagy among animals: The giant anteater is a mammal specialized in eating insects

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  Human consumption of a cirina larva in Burkina Faso