Entomophagy
With entomophagy ( gr. Ἔντομον entomon , insect 'and -phagie ), the consumption of insects called. Entomophages or insectivors are accordingly organisms that feed on insects of all or certain stages of development or live on them as parasites .
Entomophages include organisms from various taxonomic groups, including mammals , birds , freshwater fish, arachnids , other insects , carnivorous plants and, as parasites, also roundworms and fungi . Special entomophages are used in biological pest control against harmful insects, especially parasitic wasps and other parasitic insects.
Entomophagy in humans
Entomophagy in humans, i.e. the consumption of insects that humans can eat , is found in many parts of the world (cultures in Africa, Asia, Central and South America). In western cultures it is a marginal phenomenon and - due to a food taboo that is widespread here - is often viewed with rejection or even feelings of disgust. However, there are efforts u. a. to reduce the ecological footprint , to bring food insects (especially crickets, grasshoppers and certain beetle larvae) onto the diet of Europeans. The EU funded the research with 3 million euros.
supporting documents
- ↑ a b c d e f g h Keyword “Entomophages.” In: Herder-Lexikon der Biologie. Spectrum Akademischer Verlag GmbH, Heidelberg 2003. ISBN 3-8274-0354-5
- ^ GO Poinar: Entomophagous Nematodes. In: Advances in Zoology 32, 1986, pp. 95-121.
- ↑ Aristotle J. Domnas, Steven A. Warner: Biochemical activities of entomophagous fungi. In: Critical Reviews in Microbiology 18, No. 1, 1991, pp. 1-13, doi : 10.3109 / 10408419109113507 .
- ^ Enabling the exploitation of Insects as a Sustainable Source of Protein for Animal Feed and Human Nutrition. European Union, accessed November 1, 2016 .
