What is a person that eats bugs called?

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Over two billion people worldwide incorporate insects into their diet, a practice rooted in history and culture. A person that eats bugs is most accurately called an entomophage, while the practice itself is known as entomophagy. This term captures a dietary choice that is far more common globally than many Westerners might assume.

Quick Summary

The scientific term for someone who eats insects is an entomophage, while the practice is called entomophagy. It's a culturally diverse, ancient practice with significant nutritional and environmental benefits that is gaining renewed interest as a sustainable food source.

Key Points

Entomophage: This is the scientific and most accurate term for a person who eats insects.
Entomophagy: The practice of eating insects is called entomophagy, a custom with a deep history across many global cultures.
Not an Insectivore: While similar, an insectivore refers to an animal that primarily eats insects, distinguishing it from a human who includes them in their diet.
High Nutritional Value: Insects are a fantastic source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, often surpassing traditional livestock in nutritional density.
Environmental Sustainability: Compared to meat production, insect farming requires significantly less land, water, and feed, and produces far fewer greenhouse gases.
Allergy Risk: Individuals with shellfish allergies should exercise caution or avoid insects due to potential cross-reactivity.
Global Practice: Eating insects is common in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with thousands of species consumed worldwide.

What's in a Name? Entomophagy vs. Insectivory

The scientific term for a person who eats insects is an entomophage. The practice of eating insects is known as entomophagy, derived from Greek words meaning "insect" and "to eat". This dietary habit has been part of human culture for thousands of years globally. It's distinct from insectivore, which describes animals primarily or exclusively eating insects. While humans can be entomophagous, few are strictly insectivorous.

The Rich History and Global Presence of Eating Insects

Entomophagy has long been a practical source of nutrition for humans. Archaeological findings indicate ancient ancestors consumed insects. Many cultures, like pre-Hispanic Mesoamericans, heavily featured insects in their diet, a tradition continuing today.

Currently, eating insects is common in tropical areas with abundant insect populations. Notable regions include:

Africa: Termites and mopane worms are widely consumed.
Asia: Countries like Thailand and China consume insects such as bamboo worms and crickets.
Latin America: Mexico has over 450 species on the menu, including grasshoppers (chapulines).

In Western societies, the practice declined due to agricultural shifts and cultural perceptions but is seeing a resurgence due to sustainability concerns.

The Benefits and Challenges of Edible Insects

Nutritional Powerhouses

Insects are a highly nutritious food, offering a healthy alternative to traditional meats. They are typically rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Crickets are particularly known for vitamin B12, iron, and fiber content.

Environmental Sustainability

Raising insects is significantly more sustainable than traditional livestock. Benefits include:

Efficiency: Insects convert feed to protein very efficiently, using less water and land.
Reduced Emissions: They produce less greenhouse gas than livestock.
Waste Utilization: Some insects can consume organic waste, aiding in waste management.

Comparison of Insect Protein vs. Conventional Meat


Feature	Crickets	Beef	Chicken	Fish (Salmon)
Protein Content	~60-70% (dry weight)	~50% (dry weight)	High (comparable to insects)	High
Feed Efficiency (FCR)	Very High (e.g., 1.7 kg feed/kg edible meat)	Very Low (e.g., 10 kg feed/kg edible meat)	Moderate (e.g., 2.5 kg feed/kg edible meat)	High (requires less feed than beef)
Water Use	Very Low	Very High	High	Moderate
Land Use	Very Low	Very High	Moderate	Low (aquaculture varies)
GHG Emissions	Very Low	Very High (large methane producer)	Moderate	Low to Moderate
Edible Portion	Up to 80%	~40%	~58%	High

What Kind of Bugs Do Entomophages Eat?

Entomophages consume a wide variety of insects, with preferences varying by culture. Popular choices include:

Crickets: Often used whole or as flour in various products.
Grasshoppers and Locusts: Enjoyed fried or seasoned, particularly in Mexico and Asia.
Mealworms: Known for a nutty flavor.
Ants: Some types offer a citrusy taste.
Beetles and Weevil Larvae: Frequently consumed in their larval stage.
Sago Worms: A delicacy in parts of Southeast Asia.
Termites: A protein-rich food source in Africa.

Safety Considerations for Eating Insects

While generally safe, there are important safety aspects of eating insects.

Allergies

Individuals with shellfish allergies may experience cross-reactions with insects due to similar proteins. Avoiding insects is recommended for those with this allergy.

Contamination

Insects from the wild risk contamination. Sourcing from reputable commercial farms ensures safety and hygiene.

The Future of the Entomophage

Entomophagy is expected to grow as a food source due to population growth and resource strain. Advancements in insect farming are making insect-based foods more appealing and available. As sustainability becomes more crucial, the term entomophage may become increasingly common, representing an environmentally conscious and nutritious dietary choice. The FAO has highlighted the potential of edible insects for sustainable food systems.

Conclusion

A person who eats bugs is called an entomophage, and the practice is entomophagy. This is a traditional dietary habit for billions globally, driven by cultural history and necessity. Edible insects are gaining recognition as a nutritious and sustainable protein. While allergy and sourcing concerns exist, modern farming improves safety and accessibility. Embracing insects in our diet could contribute to a more sustainable global food system.

Frequently Asked Questions

The scientific term for a person who eats insects is an entomophage. The act itself is called entomophagy, a practice with ancient roots that is currently experiencing a modern revival due to its sustainability.

No, not all bugs are safe to eat. Some insects, especially when foraged from the wild, can be contaminated with pesticides or toxins. It is safest to eat insects specifically farmed for human consumption or to stick to well-known, safe varieties, properly prepared.

Yes, people with shellfish allergies should be cautious when eating insects due to the potential for cross-reactivity. Insects and crustaceans share similar allergenic proteins, such as tropomyosin, which can trigger an allergic reaction.

Eating insects is a widespread practice in tropical regions, including many countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Countries like Mexico, Thailand, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have a long history and high diversity of insect consumption.

The flavor of edible insects can vary depending on the species and preparation method. Many people describe the taste as nutty, earthy, or similar to chicken or shrimp. Preparation, such as frying or roasting, can also enhance their flavor and texture.

Entomophagy offers significant environmental benefits, including requiring less land and water than traditional livestock farming. Insects also emit far fewer greenhouse gases and are highly efficient at converting feed into protein.

The key difference is that an entomophage is a human who eats insects as part of their diet, whereas an insectivore refers to an animal whose diet consists mainly or entirely of insects. The distinction highlights the level of reliance on insects as a food source.