The nutritional value of fourteen species of edible insects in southwestern Nigeria

Seventeen species of edible insects representing nine families from south western Nigeria were analyzed for nutrient composition. They include the orders of Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Isoptera. Analeptes trifasciata, Rhynchophorus phoenicis and Zonocerus variegatus has the highest crude protein content (29.62, 28.42 and 26.8%, respectively). The Ether Extract content ranged from 1.50 to 31.40%, and the highest amount was found in R. phoenicis (31.4%), Macrotermes bellicosus (28.2%) and Macrotermes notalensis (22.5%). The nitrogen free extract content ranged from 38.5 to 85.3%, with highest values in Brachytrypes spp. and Oryctes boas. The insect richest in Vitamin A, B2 and C was Apis mellifera (12.44 ug/100 g, 3.24 mg/100g and 10.25 mg/100 g, respectively). Highest calcium and phosphorus contents of 61.28 mg/100g and 136.4 mg/100g were found in Analeptes trifasciata. Iron was found highest in M.notalensi and magnesium in Zonocerus variegatus. These insects which are sources of delicacy are also pests of certain crops at developmental stages of their life. Despite this they constitute a significant component of diet among the people of south western Nigeria.Keywords: Nutrition, insects, Nigeri

Farmer's knowledge and perception of horticultural insect pest problems in southwestern Nigeria

This survey was carried out in three states of southwestern Nigeria (Ogun, Oyo and Lagos states) on farmer's perception of horticultural insect pest problems. The survey was conducted between August 2002 and January 2003. A large number of the farmers were above 25 years old (91%). They were predominantly male (73%) and about 76% were married. Some farmers cultivate both tree and vegetables (36.5%) while a few of them plant trees, vegetable and ornamentals together (5.4%). Whilst 89% were aware of insect pest problems, only 35% used chemical treatment even though about 79% thought that pest damage ranged from mild to severe. Majority of the farmers adopt diverse number of traditional methods in pest control. Key words: Farmers, pests, horticultural crops, vegetable, control African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.2(11) 2003: 434-43

Chemical Evaluation of African Palm Weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis, Larvae as a Food Source

The chemical properties of the African palm weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), larvae were evaluated using standard methodology. The chloroform-methanol extract yielded 37.12% on a dry basis. The oil was liquid at room temperature with a flash point of 36.0 °C. Analysis of the physical constants indicated values of 192.25 Wijs and 427.70 mg KOH/g as iodine and saponification, respectively. Fatty acid analysis of the extracted oil showed the presence of unsaturated fatty acids at low levels. Palmitic acid and stearic acid constituted 35.3 and 60.5% of the oil, respectively. The usual behaviour of the oil at room temperature, irrespective of the level of unsaturation of its constituent fatty acid was noted. The total protein content of the defatted palm weevil larva (dry basis) was estimated at 66.3%. The amino acid values compared favourably to FAO reference protein, except for tryptophan, which was limiting. All the other essential amino acids were adequate. Mineral analysis revealed high levels of potassium (1025 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (685 mg/100 g). The dried and defatted palm weevil lava represents a very good source of protein, and a good complement of essential amino acids

Effect Of Dermestes Maculatus On The Nutritional Qualities Of Two Edible Insects ( Oryctes Boas And Rhynchophorus Phoenicis )

This study aimed to assess the effect on nutritional composition of two 'Edible Insects' (Larva of Oryctes boas and Rhynchophorus phoenicis ) after infestation by Dermestes maculatus . The study was done over a period of six weeks by subjecting these edible insects to different conditions of storage (using pepper and salt). The assessment was based on weight and proximate analysis differences before and after infestation under these media of storage. The larva of Oryctes boas in the container with salt as preservative had the least weight loss (from 30.00 + .0000 ± 39.70 + .3000 ± 36.30 + 1.000), followed by the container with pepper as preservative (from 30.00 + .0000 ±31.05 + 5.000 ± 25.25 + .1500) while the highest weight loss occurred in the container without preservative constituents (from 30.00 + .0000 ± 30.30 + 1.000 ± 21.15 + 5.000). Likewise, the larva of Rhynchoporus phoenicis in the container with salt as preservative constituent had the least weight difference of (16.00 + .0000 ± 20.80 + .0000± 13.65 + .1500); followed by the container with pepper as preservative (from 16.00 + .0000 ± 16.40 + 1.000± 6.700 + .2000), while the highest weight loss occurred in the container without preservative (from 16.00 + .0000 ± 7.850 + 5.000 ± 6.300 + .0000). The mortality rate of Dermestes maculatus was also determined, showing that the larva of Oryctes boas and Rhynchophorus phoenicis containing salt as preservative had the highest mortality rate of 60% and 80%, respectively, followed by that containing pepper as preservative having 20% and 30% respectively, and that containing no preservative constituent had no mortality rate. It was concluded that, Dermestes maculatus’ infestations on the larva of edible insects showed a difference in the proximate analysis of these edible insects before and after infestation. Therefore, it was suggested that edible insects should be well dried and locally preserved with salt and pepper

ETHNO-ZOOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF THE VALUE OF INSECTS AMONG THE IJEBUS. (SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA)

An ethnozoological survey of insects among Ijebu people of Ogun State was carried out to examine the importance of insects and their by- products in the life and economy of the people. 260 questionnaires were administered among the rural based traditionalist and farmers majorly who fell between the age of 56 and above. 75% of the people confirmed the nutritive value of Macrotermes nigeriense while 70.4% reported the consumption of Anaphae sp as food items, 82.3% and 90% of the people confirmed the nutritional importance of Macrotermes belliscossus and Anaphae sp respectively. Other insects consumed for nutritional purposes are Mallodon downesi, Pupae of scarabaedae beetles and Brachytrypes sp despite certain taboos attached to the utilization of Brachytrypes sp; Macrotermes nigeriense and Anapleptes trifaciata equally, Apis mellifera; Anapleptes trifaciata; Brachytrypes sp; Macrotermes nigeriense; Camponotini brutus and Cryptothelia rougeoti are useful items for ritual purposes; while periplaneta americana; Macrotermes nigeriense; camponotini brutus; Brachytrypes sp; & Musca domestica are essential materials for healing wounds, curing of ailments, spiritual protection, preparation of aphrodisiac for women and potency medicine for males. KEY WORDS: Ethnozoological, Insects, Nutritive value, Ritual, Nigeria. Global Jnl Pure & Applied Sciences Vol.10(1) 2004: 1-