Ethnozoology of Galo tribe with special reference to edible insects in Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

The paper explored the diversity of edible insects, collection patterns and temporal availability in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. The district is inhabited by the Galo, Adi, Memba and Khamba tribes. However, the study only explored the ethnozoology of Galo tribe. The study reveals that the community consumed a total of 12 species belonging majorly to Hymenopterans and Hemipteran order, excluding 4 unidentified species belonging to 10 genera and 8 families. Consumptions of insects showed that 61.11% are at larval stage followed by mature (16.67%), and 11.11% of adult and hive, respectively. Most of the insects are available in between August to September months.