Edible Insects Used as Food by Tangsa and Wancho Tribes of Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

In India, entomophagy practices are common among the people who consume insects as ethnic food. In Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, the consumption of insects as food is a common practice, with insects consumed as additional food source. The present study revealed that eleven insect species belonging to six orders are accepted as food by the two tribes (Tangsa and Wancho) of the Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh. Apis indica, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera) and Macrotermes sp. (Isoptera) are the three common edible insects. From the nutritional point of view, these edible insects are rich in protein content. Such insects form a regular part of the diet, whenever available. But the people of the district are not much familiar with their nutrition and market value. This study analyses these so as to inform them, the consumers, about their sustainable use as food and their nutritional importance.