An Assessment of the Nutritional Quality and Future Prospects of Aplosonyx Chalybaeus and Aeolesthes Holosericea (Coleoptera) in Nagaland, India

An Investigatory survey was conducted on the practice of entomophagy among the tribal people of Nagaland, and the nutritional potential of two types of beetles (Coleoptera) commonly used as food, namely Aplosonyx chalybaues (Hope, 1831) and Aeolesthes holosericea (Fabricius, 1787) was assessed. About 5 % of the people surveyed were found to be frequent consumers (FC) and 4 % were infrequent consumers (IC) of A. chalybaues, while 41 % were FC and 34 % were IC of A. holosericea. Biochemical analysis revealed that both the coleopterans have significantly high protein and fat content. A. holosericea was found to contain lesser amount of fat, but higher amount of protein (49.840.01 %) compared to A. chalybaeus which contained higher amount of fat (44.420.37 %), and thereby could be suggested as a possible alternative source of fat in the future. Further analysis for trace elements (Fe, Ca, Cu, Mg, K, Na, K, and Zn) showed that Fe, Cu, K and Zn content were higher in A. chalybaues, while Ca and Mg were higher in A. holosericea. Significant difference was seen in the case of Ca, K and Mg. A. chalybaues and A. holosericea was found to contain 125.60.01 % and 227.20.07 % Na respectively. Both the species are savoured for their rich content of fat, protein and flavour and it is felt that consumerism can further be encouraged with the knowledge of its food values. With their high protein, fat, Fe, Ca and Mg content, these insects could be one sustainable alternative to vertebrate animal food with less environmental pressures. Key words: Coleoptera, consumer, entomophagy, nutrient, tribal.