Anthropoentomophagy in some states of Brazil: an up-to-date review

Abstract

Abstract While there are well-documented records of anthropoentomophagy practices among numerous Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Brazil, it is likely that its prevalence remains significantly underestimated. This review examines a total of 116 edible insect species in Brazil, identified at the species level, categorized into eight orders: Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, and Psocodea. Hymenoptera was the most represented order, comprising 79 species (68%). Depending on the species, these insects are consumed in both their immature and adult stages, either raw or cooked, ingested whole, in parts, or as by-products. Given Brazil’s vast sociobiodiversity, edible insects exhibit substantial potential due to their nutritional richness and abundance, playing a crucial role in Traditional Food Systems while also offering promising prospects as sustainable ingredients for both household cuisine and the food industry.