The food value of the larvae ofanaphe venatabutler (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)

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Abstract
The larvae of Anaphe venata have been used for food by peasant farmers in the rural areas of Nigeria. The present study shows that the larvae have nutritional value because they contain more crude protein than that contained in both insects such as crickets, termites, palm weevil larvae etc., and other animal protein such as lamb and pork. The iron (Fe) content of Anaphe larvae is superior to that of crickets, termites, palm weevil larvae and chicken while the phosphorous (P) content is higher than in palm weevil larvae. Of the 8 essential amino acids to the human body, six are contained in the larvae of A. venata namely, Threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenyl‐alanine and lysine. It is proposed that A. venata can be used to supplement meals deficient in protein and mineral elements.