Abstract
The larvae, pupae and adult of the world’s largest hornet Vespa mandarinia are a nutritious food popular among the different ethnic communities of Nagaland. The traditional method of collecting, rearing and consuming V. mandarinia still persists among the tribal people. Semi-domestication of V. mandarinia practiced in the region has been found to facilitate the production of hornets for socio-economic purposes; thereby contributing to conservation and a sustainable utilisation of the hornets. Eight to nine combs measuring 30-45 cm in diameter are usually harvested, each of which fetching an amount of Rs. 10,000-50,000. The present investigation provides data on the crude protein content of the larvae and pupae which amounts to 52.82 and 60.99%, respectively, suggesting that hornet grubs represent an important source of nutrition. While V. mandarinia are considered as pest in western countries and most of East Asia, the present study suggests hornets as a promising alternative food item rich in protein and that hornet rearing can improve the state of health and economic situation of Nagaland’s poorer section of the society.
Highlights
Hornets of the genus Vespa (Vespidae: Vespinae) are large predatory, eusocial wasps native to Asia and Europe
In Nagaland, preferences in edible insect consumption are mainly due to six reasons: (1) availability of the insect species; (2) size of the insects, as generally larger insects are preferred for consumption; (3) taboos associated with the insect species; (4) one’s own palatability/taste preference; (5) market value of the insect species; and (6) traditional
Rearing techniques of Vespa mandarinia Smith ethno-medicinal knowledge associated with the insect species (Mozhui et al, 2020)
Summary
Hornets of the genus Vespa (Vespidae: Vespinae) are large predatory, eusocial wasps native to Asia and Europe. They are known to prey on other insects especially honey bees, e.g. Apis mellifera L. The Asian giant hornet Vespa mandarinia Smith, is the world’s largest species measuring up to 5 cm in length (Ono et al, 2003). Wasp nests can be attached to tree branches and shrubs, found in crevices, under eaves or underground While Vespa fervida (another hornet species) inhabit forests as well as urban areas, V. mandarina is found mainly in hilly environments of an altitude of 850-1,900 m with nests frequently located below ground in fields and uncultivated areas making it rather difficult to locate them. V. mandarinia nests are large, sometimes containing over 1000 workers and being constructed 6-60 cm below the ground in spaces between decaying roots and in abandoned small mammal burrows (Archer, 2008)
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