01845nas a2200157   4500008004500000245009900045210006900144260000900213300001000222490000600232520126800238653002901506653001801535100001801553856011601571       2008                        Engldsh  00aPotential ecological implications of human entomophagy by subsistence groups of the Neotropics0 aPotential ecological implications of human entomophagy by subsis  c2008  a81-930 v13 aThe practice of human entomophagy is important to the livelihood of many subsistence cultures. Insect foods are a source of protein in traditional diets and are often considered delicacies. While considerable research has been conducted on the nutritional benefits of insects to human welfare, there has been little focus on understanding how harvests of insect foods can potentially impact local ecology. In this paper, I address the potential ecological consequences of insect harvesting activities with a focus on Neotropical subsistence communities. I confine my discussion to four insect foods - palm weevils, bruchid beetles, ants, and termites. Insect harvesting has the potential to not only influence insect populations but also to alter ecological interactions between plant and insects. I propose that rigorous studies on insect harvest intensity, in space and time, are necessary steps in understanding the full effects of harvesting activities on insect populations and broader forest communities. Research on the ecological implications of insect harvests are important in the face of potential increases in the demand for insect food as a result of rapid population growth within indigenous communities and increased hunting pressures on wild game.10aRhinostomus barbirostris10aRhynchophorus1 aChoo, Juanita  uhttps://weevil.myspecies.info/potential-ecological-implications-human-entomophagy-subsistence-groups-neotropics