3.3. Proximate composition
The results help demonstrate the importance of edible insects
for the intake of high quality protein in the population of this region.
However, there is a caloric deficiency in the diet and protein
cannot be fully utilized if there is not enough energy in meals (Ramos-
Elorduy et al., 1997). Table 4 shows the proximate composition
of eight Thai edible terricolous insects. The protein content
of edible insects ranged from 37.46% in queen caste to 54.43% in
dung beetle. This value is higher than the values reported in
Brachytrypes spp. (6.25%) to Analeptes trifasciata (29.62%) of edible
insects in southwestern Nigeria reported by Banjo, Lawal, and
Songnuga (2006) and dung beetle higher than the values reported
in the larval and adult stages of Zonocerus variegatus 50.10–53.39%
by Adedire and Aiyesanmi (1999). However, the protein value in
dung beetle lower than the values reported in a wasp (Polybia
sp.) (82%) by Ramos-Elorduy et al. (1997). The high protein content
is an indication that the insects can be of value in man and animal
ration and can equally replace higher animal protein usually absent
in the diet of rural dwellers in developing countries (Banjo