Insects used as foodstuff by indigenous groups in Morelos, Mexico

Abstract

Anthropo-entomophagy has been practiced since pre-Hispanic times and today it is still preserved in certain places in Mexico. In addition, indigenous societies recognise the importance of insect consumption as an alternative source to conventional animal protein. In the state of Morelos, for example, insects are a significant part of the traditional diet of the inhabitants of rural areas. Nevertheless, no systematic research has been done to recognise the insect species used nor the aspects related to anthropo-entomophagy. This is the reason why this ethno-entomological research about edible insects was conducted. In this study, there is a report about 61 species of edible insects that are consumed in their different developmental stages in the state of Morelos. Grasshoppers (=chapulines) (Orthoptera) and bugs (=jumiles) (Hemiptera) stand out for their abundance and high degree of acceptance. The ways in which they are prepared and preserved range from rudimentary to highly elaborated, and some date from Mexican pre-Hispanic times.