Chapter 3:

Formosan Termite

 

Insect Info:

The termite is in the same family as the cockroach and makes a reliable and plentiful food source. The Formosan termite is a subterranean termite that is considered a pest and is widely distributed across the U.S. Most often, termites feed on dead plant material, typically wood, leaf litter, soil, or animal excreta. They also eat bone and decaying animal matter, and traces of termites have been found on dinosaur bones.

Termites are more abundant in subtropical and tropical regions where humidity is high, though they are also found in drier climates. The diversity of termite species is low in North America, though a large number of colonies belonging to over fifty species have been identified across the continent.

Most termite nests are found underground, or in fallen trees and neglected timber, though some are built inside living trees or as huge mounds. Digging up a Formosan termite nest can yield lots of food, though agitated termites might cause you some irritation. Note that although Formosan termites have the capability to bite humans, they much prefer chewing wood and it is unlikely that you will get bitten.

Most often, termites are white or yellow in color, though they can sometimes be dark red, brown, or black.

How To Eat:

Termites are consumed in many different places around the world. In parts of Africa, termites, or alates, are an important part of the diet, including worker and queen ants, where the latter is regarded as a delicacy since it is more difficult to locate. Alates are collected at the start of the rainy season, often close to sources of electric light, to which termites are attracted. Usually, termites are eaten when crops are undeveloped and when livestock is lean. Termites are also enjoyed in Thailand and are known as Maeng Mao. Consumption has been limited to indigenous populations of Asia and North and South America, though in recent years they have become increasingly valued as a food source throughout the U.S.

Termites contain all of the essential amino acids needed by humans as suggested by the World Health Organization. Typically, their wings are removed before roasting slowly on a hot plate or dry-fried in a pan until crisp. Some people eat them with a little salt, though you do not need to add oil during cooking since termites contain oil. Termites can measure 0.16-0.59 inches and contain adequate levels of fat and protein. Per 3.5 ounce serving, termites have 1/2 ounce of protein and are 5% calcium. For this serving, termites deliver 613 calories.

The largest termite known, Macrotermes bellicosus, has been found to be rich in vitamins A and C, with varying protein and vitamin levels in worker ants and queens. Worker ants are higher in protein and vitamin C while queens are higher in vitamin A. Certain species of termites in forested areas are said to taste like minty wood while others have a nuttier taste.