Protein and carbohydrate contents of certain edible insects in Manipur

Fifteen species of edible insects representing ten families were analyzed for protein and carbohydrate contents. These include Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Protein content was observed to vary from a low of 105.6mg/g to a high of 314.2mg/g. The highest level of total protein was found in Philosomia ricini (314.2 mg/g) and the lowest in Bombyx mori (105.6 mg/g). Lethocerus indicus, a common insect in Manipur was found to contain a protein content of 172 mg/g. Carbohydrate content ranged from 3.68mg/g to 78.68mg/g. The highest carbohydrate content was found in Vespa basalis and the least in Brachytrupes portentosus. Most of these edible insects were found to have more protein content than the conventional animal protein but very less carbohydrate. These insects play a major role in providing an easy source of protein to the people of Manipur.