Category: Entomology

While it may be known that ants and other insects are a source of protein, the amount in a single ant is almost negligible. A single ant provides approximately 1 milligram of protein, highlighting the fact that these tiny creatures are not a practical, immediate source of sustenance for a human. Their nutritional value is significant only when consumed in larger quantities, which is a common practice in many cultures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vector-borne diseases transmitted by various insects are on the rise, and while some can cause fatigue, the benign clubtail dragonfly is not one of them. This article explores the genuine reasons behind post-insect-related sleepiness and clarifies why the belief that clubtails make you sleepy is a common misunderstanding.

Bumblebees don't have a fixed protein content like packaged food, as their nutritional makeup depends entirely on their pollen diet, which can vary significantly. The amount of protein a bumblebee contains is dynamic, changing with its life stage, foraging behavior, and the floral resources available in its habitat.

Certain species of arachnids, like the fried tarantulas sold as a delicacy in Cambodia, are known for their high protein content, but how much protein is in spiders exactly? While estimates suggest that some very large spiders can contain up to 63 grams of protein per 100 grams, the actual amount depends heavily on the spider's species and size. This exploration will reveal the often-overlooked nutritional aspects of these eight-legged creatures.

Recent scientific research, including a study in 2016, revealed that certain cockroach species, like the Pacific beetle cockroach, produce milk protein crystals containing over three times the energy of the same amount of dairy milk. Beyond this surprising fact, the proteins found in cockroaches serve diverse biological functions, from providing structural support to acting as powerful allergens.

Despite popular belief, red dye isn't made from parasites, but from a specific type of scale insect known as the cochineal. These tiny bugs, harvested primarily from prickly pear cacti, produce carminic acid, a potent natural pigment.

Did you know the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding cicada consumption? While often touted as a novel protein source, there are critical health reasons explaining why you can't eat cicadas, especially if you have a shellfish allergy or certain health conditions.

For every person on Earth, there are an estimated 1.4 billion insects, a figure that powerfully illustrates the planet's dominant insect population. While that number refers to the vast ecological ratio, a more personal answer to "how many bugs for one person?" involves the surprising, and often unintentional, consumption and cohabitation that occurs every day.

According to entomological research, oligidic diets are a class of artificial food composed primarily of crude natural materials and are exclusively designed for insect rearing. This means that the concept of an *oligidic diet* has nothing to do with human health, wellness, or weight loss and is a term from animal science.

Not all honeydew is a refreshing melon; a sticky, sugary liquid also exists, produced by sap-sucking insects like aphids. This substance's complex biological composition is quite different from the delicious, hydrating fruit known by the same name, which answers the core question: what is honeydew made up of?