The Mopane worm, Gonimbrasia belina, feeds primarily on the leaves of Mopane trees, Colophospermum mopane, but reportedly also feeds on certain other trees and shrubs as well, where Mopane trees are not present. The Mopane tree is commonly found in the northern border region of South Africa (including Krueger National Park) and the southern borders of Zimbabwe and Botswana and northwestern Namibia. Traditionally, Mopane worms are collected, prepared, and consumed by people indigenous to these regions of the continent. This investigation was initiated in May 2002. Processed Mopane worms (dried larvae prepared for human consumption) were purchased at an outdoor marketplace in a northeastern part of South Africa. These worms were subsequently analyzed in the laboratory for their nutrient content. Results of analysis showed these worms to be comprised of 60.70% crude protein, 16.70% crude fat, and 10.72% minerals, on a dry matter basis. Additional analyses (amino acid profile, macro and micro minerals) are underway. Preliminary indications are that these worms are a highly nutritious supplement to the diet of people indigenous to these regions.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Saturniidae Gonimbrasia belina (Mopane worm, Mopane Emperor moth)
Keywords: protein, fat
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