Objective:

Identify edible insects of the Otomí-Tepehua region and analyze their nutritional contribution.

Methodology:

To identify insect species with local gastronomic importance, sampling was carried out in the Otomí-Tepehua region, Hidalgo, Mexico. During the year 2022, direct collections of edible insects were carried out on corn plants, anthills and bodies of fresh water. 62 samples of chicatana ants, 32 of edible aquatic larvae and 19 of grasshoppers were obtained, placing them in vials with 96% ethanol for preservation and identification. The specimens were taxonomically identified as Atta mexicana (n=34/62), Atta cephalotes (n=28/62), Corydalus sp. (n=32) and Sphenarium sp. (n=19).

Results:

Reveal high incidence and availability of edible insects in the study region, which predominated in the spring-summer season by showing greater nutritional, ecological and economic importance.

Limitations:

The consumption of insects is limited by a cultural component, since entomophagy as an eating habit is inherited ancestrally.

Conclusions:

The four species of insects identified complement the diet of rural inhabitants in the Otomí-Tepehua region, being relevant for food sovereignty and local gastronomic diversity by providing proteins, ethereal fats, carbohydrates, fiber and some vitamins; However, its consumption is low because it is an ethnocultural component.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )