El Consumo de Insectos entre los Lacandones de la Comunidad Bethel y su Valor Nutritivo

Abstract

Edible insects consumed by Lacandon Ethnos, from Bethel community living in lacandon jungle, were studied and recorded during the summer season. There have classified 53 species that belongs to four
insecta orders: Hymenoptera (24 especies), Coleoptera (18 especies), Orthoptera (9 especies) and Lepidoptera (2 especies). The family most represented was the Vespidae (wasps) that had 10 species
recorded, comprised in: Polybia, Mischocyttarus, Polistes, Vespula, Brachygastra, Parachartegus and Apoica genus. A chemical analysis practiced to 29 edible insect species shows high nutritive values in
their protein content, which were expressed in dry basis. The analysis indicates values going from 25.72 to 76.50% (of protein), being the first value the beetle larvae Aplagiognathus spinosus
(Coleoptera-Cerambycidae) and the highest a grasshopper Sphenarium histrio (nymphs and adults) (Orthoptera-Acrididae). Furthermore, we have indicated the essential amino acids content for 14
species (out of 29) in which the amino acids values are in good proportion when comparing with FAO/WHO/UNU (1985) pattern values for preschooler and adult people. However several species
shows a slight short fall in Tryptophan in relation with the FAO preschoolers pattern. Besides the study shows in several species its mineral and B group vitamin content. Also the proportion of calories that
these species lodges compared with conventional food. We arrive to the conclusion that edible insects help to improve the diet of Lacandon ethnos by providing nutritive compounds, and as consequence their help is ameliorated. In the case of child pattern the unique species that do not achieve the values is Ascalapha odorata, being qualified by the histidine.