Notes on Edible Insecta of South Benin: A Source of Protein

Insects have been and still are consumed in South Benin. They are a very important source of animal protein able to successfully substitute some meats and improve the health of badly nourished children. Four kinds of insects are principally collected in South Benin—Oryctes spp., Rhynchophorus phoenicis (Fabr.); Brachytrupes membranaceus (Drury), and Macrotermes falciger. The species mostly eaten in Benin are Macrotermes falciger and Oryctes spp. (Tchibozo, 2002). The various aspects investigated here are: the species eaten, techniques of gathering, culinary usages, communities consuming them, and their economic importance.