Nutritional profiles of edible African palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) harvested from two palm species in Uganda

Rhynchophorus phoenicis larvae are consumed in over 14 African countries, including Uganda where they are the third most consumed and highly priced insects. However, the nutritional composition of R. phoenicis larvae consumed in Uganda, which are harvested from two natural hosts (the oil palm, Elaeis guineensis and raffia palm, Raphia spp), has never been evaluated. This study examined the nutritional profiles (protein, fat, ash, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and flavonoids) of R . phoenicis larvae collected from the two palm hosts in Kalangala district, central Uganda with a view to determining their capacity to contribute to nutritional security of the consumers. The larvae were analysed for the different nutritional values using standard chemical analysis procedures. The study demonstrates that R. phoenicis larvae are an excellent source of micro- and macro-nutrients. The larvae from oil palm were richer in fat, sodium, aluminium and vitamins (nicotinamide, ɣ-Tocopherol and carotenoid) than those from raffia palm, which showed higher levels of amino acids (such as alanine, valine and tyrosine) than the former. Given that the supply of this nutrient-rich delicacy is seasonal, further studies on nutritional value of the palm tree tissues is crucial to develop artificial diets for mass production of R. phoenicis for food and feed .