Taxonomic analysis of some forest insects used in the diets in Mexican rural areas: evaluation and perspectives

In the present work a taxonomic analysis of Mexican edible forest insects along with their host plants have been reviewed. We have recorded 73 insect species under 26 families and 6 orders, namely: Orthoptera, Hemiptera-Heteroptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera, with the highest number of species belonging to Coleoptera (19) followed by Hymenoptera (18). Additionally a total of 51 host plant species under 17 families, and their distribution among the different vegetation types also have been presented. The importance of insects in the diet of rural communities has been discussed in the light of different socioeconomic and biological factors. These issues must be addressed and resolved, to carry out the coherent management of edible insects, considering the traditional knowledge that the rural inhabitants possess.