International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Okeke TE, Ewuim SC, Akunne CE, Ononye BU

Abstract
Malnutrition is one of the problems facing developing countries including Nigeria due to deficiency of protein supply. It becomes imperative therefore to carry out a survey to identify the edible insects, their habitats relation to their time of availability in Awka and environ. This study was carried out in Awka, Agulu, Nibo, Amawbia, and Okpuno between May, 2016 and March, 2017. Collection of the insects was carried out using different collection methods. The collected insects were identified and their habitat as well as time of availability duly recorded. Data generated from the abundance of the edible insects was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 5% significant level. The results revealed that two species of Coleoptera (Oryctes monoceros and Rhynchophorus phoenicis), two species of Orthoptera (Brachytrupes membranaceous, Zonocerus variegatus) and one species of Isoptera (Macrotermes bellicosus) were collected in the study area. It was observed that the larval stages of O. monoceros and R. phoenicis and the adult stage of B. membranaceus, Z. variegatus and M. bellicosus were consumed. O. monoceros was collected between the month of June and July, while R. phoenicis was between December and May, B. membranaceus was collected between July and September, Z. variegatus was collected between November and April while M. bellicosus was collected between May and June. The result revealed that the habitat for O. monoceros in the study area was coconut tree and goat dung between the months of June and July. R. phoenicis habitat raffia palm tree between December and May. B. membranaceus standard farming soil between July and September. Z. variegatus green, leafy crops and grasses between November and April. M. bellicosus Timber woods and termitarium between May and June. Conclusively, acceptance of edible species in Awka and environ is a proof that the inhabitants practice entomophagy. Further research for documentation of more edible species in Anambra State and mass rearing techniques development for commercial scale of several edible insect species was recommended.