The nutrient value of Imbrasia belina Lepidoptera: Saturnidae (madora).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pattern of consumption of Imbrasia belina (madora) and other edible insects and also compare the nutrient values of madora larvae and two of its variants (Anaphe venata and Cirina forda) to those of some conventional sources of protein.

SETTING

University of Zimbabwe.

SUBJECTS

100 workers who admitted to a history of entomophagy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Popularity score of madora compared with those of other edible insects and approximate compositions of nutrients in the larvae compared with standard proteins.

RESULTS

Most respondents (65%) were introduced to entomophagy by their parents. Termites were the most frequently consumed, followed by madora. More respondents ate insects because of their perceived nutritional value than because of their relative availability. There was no association of entomophagy with significant side effects. The protein, fat and mineral contents of the larvae were superior to those of beef and chicken. There were no major differences in the nutrient composition of the three Lepidoptera variants.

CONCLUSION

The high nutrient value and low cost of these larvae make them an important protein supplement, especially for people in the low income group.