Reviewing entomophagy in the Democratic Republic of Congo: species and host plant diversity, seasonality, patterns of consumption and challenges of the edible insect sector

This paper reviews edible insect species and the host plant diversity associated with them in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including their seasonal availability throughout year. Entomophagy practices are mapped on country scale nationwide patterns consumption explored. Moreover, motives for consumer acceptance (or rejection) insects as food reported based survey data focus groups. The also points out research gaps (concerning notably food-safety risk to local effects processing techniques nutrient contents or digestibility insects) discusses major challenges (as need standardisation units sale, implementation insects-related regulations field studies supported by expert taxonomic input) sustainable development market country. inventory showed that 148 consumed DRC dominated orders Lepidoptera (60.1%), Orthoptera (10.1%), Coleoptera (8.1%) Hymenoptera (8.1%). Commonalities were observed concerning a minority (these Rhynchophorus phoenicis, Imbrasia epimethea, oyemensis, Cirina forda), whereas several (e.g. Afzeliada afzelii, Hadraphe ethiopica, Rhypopteryx poecilanthes, Acanthacris ruficornis) seems be restricted production areas where they occur, due probably absence trade system people’s alimentary habits. Furthermore, 38 lepidopterans have been inventoried nationwide. Results indicated 122 4 families ranked follows: Fabaceae (34.4%), Phyllanthaceae (10.6%), Meliaceae (4.9%) Apocynaceae (4.1%). However, given concerns about some being endangered (Millettia laurentii, Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum) critically (Autranella congolensis), conservation strategies methods mass-rearing needed. article contributes growing body knowledge detailing anthropoentomophagy DRC.