Harvesting and Processing Techniques for the Larvae of the Pallid Emperor Moth, Cirina Forda Westwood (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), Among the Tiv People of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The manner in which edible insects are harvested and processed affects their nutrient content, shelf life as well as their acceptability among different socio-economic groups. Raw extracts of Cirina forda larvae had been reported to have toxic effects on rats compared to processed extracts. The study therefore investigated the techniques employed by the Tiv people of Benue State, Nigeria, in harvesting C. forda larvae from its sole host tree in the country, the sheabutter tree, Vitellaria paradoxa. The processing techniques for the insect larva, the conservation strategies employed by the natives to ensure sustainability of the insect resource alongside the survival strategies used by the insect were also investigated. One hundred and twenty (120) copies of semi-structured questionnaire were administered in three (3) Tiv speaking Local Government Areas (Gboko, Katsina-Ala and Tarka). Data obtained were subjected to log transformation (Log ) and then to one-way ANOVA. Results showed 10 significant differences among the harvesting and processing techniques as well as conservation and survival strategies (p>0.05). Picking larvae from pitfall traps had the highest mean frequency (38.3±9) among the harvesting techniques while storing briefly to defecate, parboiling and then sun-drying had the highest mean frequency (36.9±5) among the processing techniques. Delaying cultivation around the bases of host trees till after adult emergence had the highest mean frequency (31.3±2) among the conservation techniques used while jumping down of larvae from the branches was the most popular survival technique recorded (32.2±5).