ABSTRACT This research focuses on understanding the factors influencing the acceptance of entomophagy in Morelia, Michoacán. The study involves a survey aimed at two distinct groups of young adults aged 18 to 29 (control and experimental), a demographic known for being open to evolving food preferences. The results revealed interesting differences in preferences between individuals who have and have not tried insect-based foods. Surprisingly, the price did not emerge as a dominant influencing factor. The study suggests entomophagy can be a viable and accepted dietary option when relevant information is easily accessible, potentially reducing neophobia levels.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio es comprender los determinantes que influyen en la receptividad a la entomofagia en Morelia, Michoacán. La investigación emplea una encuesta dirigida a dos cohortes distintas de adultos jóvenes, de 18 a 29 años, un grupo demográfico conocido por ser receptivo a la evolución de las preferencias alimentarias. Los hallazgos revelaron disparidades notables en las preferencias entre las personas que han probado y no han probado alimentos a base de insectos. Sorprendentemente, el precio no surgió como un factor de influencia dominante. El estudio concluye que la entomofagia puede representar una opción dietética factible y aceptada cuando se dispone de información relevante, lo que podría mitigar los niveles de neofobia.

Abstract This article presents an overview of scientific publications on insects for human consumption through a bibliometric analysis using data extracted from the Web of Science database from 1990 to 2022, covering more than 30 years of scientific production. The results are presented in tables, graphs, and diagrams with different types of mapping obtained by using specific packages to analyze bibliometric relationships, such as VOSviewer and the R-package Bibliometrics. According to the classification of areas of knowledge in WoS, most articles are mainly in food science technology, entomology, and multidisciplinary agriculture, with works ranging from environmental aspects, chemical composition, and sensory perception, among others. The countries with the most significant influence on the subject are Italy, the USA, and South Korea, with the highest number of publications in the area. On the other hand, the authors with the highest metrics are J.N. Kinyuru (Kenya), Y.S. Choi (South Korea), and L. Aquilanti (Italy). The journals with the highest productivity in edible insects are the Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, Foods, and Insects, with several publications of 217, 107, and 61, respectively. Finally, the conclusions of this work allow establishing routes to follow for researchers in the field of edible insects, such as which papers are most important, where to publish and in which countries and institutions the topic is most developed.

Resumen Este artículo presenta una visión general relacionada con las publicaciones científicas sobre insectos para consumo humano a través de un análisis bibliométrico utilizando datos extraídos de la base de datos Web of Science en un período de tiempo comprendido entre 1990 y 2022 cubriendo más de 30 años de producción científica. Los resultados se presentan en forma de tablas, gráficos y diagramas con diferentes tipos de mapeo obtenidos mediante el uso de paquetes específicos para el análisis de las relaciones bibliométricas como VoS Viewer y el paquete de R Bibliometrix. De acuerdo con la clasificación de las áreas de conocimiento en WoS, la mayoría de los artículos se encuentran principalmente en los segmentos de tecnología de los alimentos, la entomología, la agricultura multidisciplinar con trabajos que van desde los aspectos ambientales, la composición química, y la percepción sensorial, entre otros. Los países con mayor influencia en el tema son Italia, EE.UU. y Corea del Sur con el mayor número de publicaciones en el área. Por otro lado, los autores con mayores métricas son Kinyuru, JN (Kenia), Choi, YS, (Corea del Sur) y Aquilanti, L, (Italia). Las revistas con mayor productividad en insectos comestibles son Journal of insects as food and feed, Foods e Insects con un número de publicaciones de 217, 107 y 61 respectivamente. Finalmente, las conclusiones de este trabajo permiten establecer rutas a seguir para los investigadores en el campo de los insectos comestibles para la alimentación humana como por ejemplo que documentos son más importantes, donde publicar y en que países e instituciones el tema se encuentra mas desarrollado.

Resumen Introducción. Los insectos comestibles se presentan como una fuente alternativa de proteína generada con prácticas de producción sostenibles con el medio ambiente y de alto valor nutricional. La producción de alimentos con insectos ha aumentado en los últimos años a nivel mundial y se estima que continuará en crecimiento. Costa Rica cuenta con un pequeño número de productores de insectos comestibles, lo que ha conllevado un creciente interés de la academia y entidades estatales por fomentar el sector. Objetivo. Presentar el mercado actual, las oportunidades, los retos y las perspectivas de la producción, procesamiento y comercialización de insectos comestibles a nivel internacional y en Costa Rica. Desarrollo. Se describe el mercado actual de los insectos comestibles a nivel mundial, los principales retos y oportunidades de su producción, procesamiento y comercialización, así como el desarrollo del sector en Costa Rica. Conclusión. A nivel mundial, los principales retos relacionados con la producción de alimentos con insectos son la baja aceptación del consumidor, la falta de tecnologías de producción de insectos y un deficiente marco regulatorio. En Costa Rica, debido a los esfuerzos conjuntos de la academia, el sector público y privado, existe un marco regulatorio base que permite la producción de tres especies de insectos para consumo humano. Los costarricenses tienen la disposición de incluir los insectos en su dieta, pero aún es necesario desarrollar mejores métodos de producción para facilitar el crecimiento del sector.

Abstract Introduction. Edible insects emerge as an alternative source of protein generated with environmentally sustainable production practices and high nutritional value. The production of insect-based food products has increased globally in recent years and it is expected to continue growing. Costa Rica has a small number of edible insect producers, which has led to growing interest from academia and government entities in promoting the sector. Objective. To present the current market, opportunities, challenges, and perspectives of edible insect production, processing, and marketing internationally and in Costa Rica. Development. The current global market for edible insects is described, the main challenges, and opportunities in their production, processing, and marketing, as well as the sector's development in Costa Rica. Conclusion. Globally, key challenges in edible insect production include low consumer acceptance, lack of insect production technologies, and inadequate regulatory framework. In Costa Rica, collaborative efforts from academia, the public, and private sectors have established a basic regulatory framework allowing the production of three insect species for human consumption. Costa Ricans are willing to include insects in their diet, but there is still a need to develop better production methods to facilitate the sector growth.

Abstract Emerging paradigms on ethical consumption of meat and replacement alternatives require a bioethical reflection to understand the social relations between sentience and animal welfare. This study seeks to understand how Brazilian society represents animal production, meat consumption, and alternatives to replace its consumption. For this, an online survey was conducted with 330 participants from Brazil. The results suggest that variables such as age, sex, and education level influence the representation of meat consumption and demonstrate that Brazilian society believes that reducing consumption is more feasible than adhering to alternatives.

Resumo Os paradigmas éticos emergentes sobre o consumo da carne e das alternativas de substituição necessitam de reflexão bioética para compreender as relações sociais com a senciência e o bem-estar animal. Este estudo procura compreender como a sociedade brasileira representa a produção animal, o consumo de carne e as alternativas para a sua substituição. Para isso, foi realizada uma investigação em linha com 330 participantes do Brasil. Os resultados sugerem que variáveis como idade, sexo e nível de ensino influenciam a representação social da carne e as alternativas da sua substituição e demonstram que a sociedade brasileira acredita que é mais factível a redução do consumo do que a adesão a alternativas.

ABSTRACT The consumption of insects by humans dates back to the hunter-gatherer phase of the Homo sapiens and even today it is part of the diet of several communities, not only when there is a shortage of other foods, but also because its flavour is appreciated. In Europe, the consumption of insects decreased its frequency as the availability of other types of food became available at any time of the year. The most consumed insects worldwide are those of the orders Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Odonata, Diptera, Dictyoptera and Megaloptera. The nutritional value of insects for humans is acknowledged, recently, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published a table with the nutritional composition of 471 edible insects. Insects are rich in protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. Insects’ consumption in the West, in countries where it is no longer a common practice, is conditioned by the negative perception of these animals and because it is something seen as new in terms of food. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the introduction of insects in the diet as a way to face the continuous increase of the world population and the consequent need to increase food production, but also for environmental reasons. In Portugal, the interest in the production of insects for human consumption faced barriers in the European Union legislation, but the commercialization of 6 species of insects is currently authorized.

RESUMO O consumo de insetos na alimentação humana remonta à fase de caçador-recoletor do Homo sapiens e ainda hoje é parte integrante da dieta de muitos povos, não só quando há escassez de outros alimentos, mas também pelo seu sabor ser apreciado. Na Europa o consumo de insetos deixou de ser prática comum à medida que outros alimentos passaram a estar disponíveis em qualquer época do ano. Os insetos mais consumidos mundialmente pertencem às ordens Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Odonata, Diptera, Dictyoptera e Megaloptera. O valor nutricional dos insetos para o ser humano é reconhecido, recentemente, a Organização para a Alimentação e Agricultura das Nações Unidas publicou uma tabela com a composição nutricional de 471 insetos comestíveis. Os insetos são ricos em proteína, gordura, minerais e vitaminas. O consumo de insetos no Ocidente, em países onde deixou de ser prática comum, encontra-se condicionado pela perceção negativa que se tem destes animais e por se tratar de algo visto como novo no que diz respeito à alimentação. Nos últimos anos tem-se assistido a um crescente interesse pela introdução dos insetos na dieta como forma de fazer face ao crescimento da população mundial e consequente necessidade de aumento da produção alimentar, mas também por questões ambientais. Em Portugal o interesse pela produção de insetos para consumo humano encontrou barreiras na legislação da União Europeia, estando atualmente autorizada a comercialização de 6 espécies de insetos.

Resumen En la Amazonía colombiana, los insectos constituyen un recurso natural abundante, el cual es aprovechado mediante el consumo de especies comestibles. Históricamente, los pueblos indígenas son entomofágicos y han incluido a insectos y otros artrópodos en sus dietas. En el presente estudio, se analiza el uso tradicional de insectos comestibles en las comunidades del oriente amazónico de Colombia. Durante el período de agosto 2020 a marzo 2021, se realizaron entrevistas abiertas y semi-estructuradas a habitantes del municipio de Mitú (Vaupés) y de 41 comunidades indígenas aledañas, las cuales indagaron sobre la percepción, aprovechamiento y comercialización de insectos comestibles. De acuerdo con su valor de uso, Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Syntermes spinosus (Blattodea: Termitidae), Atta laevigata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Lusura chera (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) y Polybia liliacea (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), constituyen las especies de insectos comestibles más representativas de la región. Para cada especie se estableció su calendario ecológico y se documentaron sus técnicas y métodos de recolecta, sus formas tradicionales de preparación y consumo, y sus actividades de comercialización. Se resalta el potencial de las especies de insectos comestibles analizadas para el fortalecimiento de estrategias de uso sostenible direccionadas a mejorar la seguridad alimentaria de la población y el mantenimiento de los conocimientos tradicionales de las comunidades.

Abstract In the Colombian Amazon, insects are an abundant natural resource, and part of the use of this resource is the consumption of some edible species. Historically, indigenous peoples are entomophagic and have included insects and other arthropods in their diets. In this paper, the traditional use of edible insects in the communities of the eastern Amazon of Colombia is analyzed. During August 2020 to March 2021, opened and semi-structured interviews carried out with inhabitants of the municipality of Mitú (Vaupés) and 41 surrounding indigenous communities were applied, inquiring about the perception, use and commercialization of edible insects. According to its use value, Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Syntermes spinosus (Blattodea: Termitidae), Atta laevigata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Lusura chera (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), and Polybia liliacea (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), are the most representative species of edible insects in the region. For each species, its ecological calendar was established, and its collecting techniques and methods, traditional forms of preparation and consumption, and marketing activities were documented. The potential of the edible insect species documented is highlighted to promote sustainable use strategies, with the aim of improving the food security of the population and maintaining the traditional knowledge of these communities.

Abstract: Insect consumption or entomophagy is widespread throughout the world. In the Alto Río Negro-Vaupés border region of the Colombian and Brazilian Amazon region, sedentary and nomadic indigenous peoples include a significant number of insects in their diets. Although this fact has been mentioned in the literature, most of the contents refer merely to intake, leaving aside the symbolic associations of this practice and disregarding the particular conditions for the adaptation of these peoples. This study draws a comparative view of the use and symbology related to insects of two population groups, which hold differences in adaptation terms but live in interaction with each other in the same cultural area.

Resumen: El consumo de insectos o entomofagia está ampliamente extendido en el mundo. En la región del Alto Río Negro - Vaupés frontera en la Amazonia de Colombia y Brasil los pueblos indígenas sedentarios y de tradición nómada incorporan un número importante de insectos en sus dietas. Si bien este hecho se menciona en la literatura, la mayoría de los contenidos aluden a la ingesta dejando de lado las asociaciones simbólicas de la práctica y no consideran condiciones particulares de la adaptación de estos pueblos. Este estudio traza una visión comparada del uso y simbología relacionada con los insectos para dos grupos de población cuya adaptación es diferente pero se viven interactuando en la misma área cultural.

Resumo O consumo de insetos como uma fonte alternativa de proteínas é considerado uma tendência futura e uma estratégia viável, com potencial notório para garantia do fornecimento de alimentos em nível global. Os insetos são uma fonte não convencional de proteínas, seja para consumo humano direto ou indiretamente, como ingredientes em alimentos formulados. Além disso, estudos científicos têm demonstrado que a hidrólise enzimática destas proteínas resulta na produção de peptídeos com atividades biológicas de grande interesse, como atividade antioxidante, antidiabética, anti-hipertensiva e antimicrobiana. O uso desses peptídeos com fim nutracêutico pode substituir ou reduzir o uso de drogas sintéticas, as quais estão associadas a efeitos colaterais indesejáveis. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo abordar o uso de insetos na alimentação humana, destacando sua aplicação como substrato proteico na hidrólise enzimática para produção de peptídeos bioativos. As principais propriedades bioativas dos peptídeos foram relatadas.

Abstract The insect consumption as an alternative source of protein is considered a future trend and a viable strategy with a notorious potential for ensuring global food supply. Insects are an unconventional source of protein, either for human consumption directly or indirectly, as ingredients in formulated foods. In addition, scientific studies have been shown that the enzymatic hydrolysis of these proteins results in the production of peptides with biological activities of relevant interest, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and antimicrobial activity. The use of these peptides for nutraceutical purposes may replace or reduce the use of synthetic drugs, which are associated with undesirable side effects. The present work aimed to address the use of insects in human food, highlighting its application as a protein substrate in enzymatic hydrolysis for the production of bioactive peptides. Indeed, the main bioactive properties of the peptides have been reported.

ABSTRACT In recent years insects have been proposed as the food of the future, however, the following question arises: could they really be used as a food alternative in these times? Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze whether different types of insect products are a good option for food and feed. Worldwide, there are more than 1.900 species of edible insects; those most used in the production of food for humans are crickets (Acheta domesticus), black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) and mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). For animal feed, soldier fly larvae and mealworms are the most studied, thus, this review focuses on these. For humans, there are a lot of foods that contain insects such as: cereal bars, pastas, drinks, beers, hamburgers, candies, snacks and also dehydrated insects. These foods are produced in Europe, Australia, South Africa and the United States and can be purchased online. For animals, there is insect meal, concentrated food and dehydrated or live larvae. Animal studies have focused on the feeding of fish, but also on other species (dogs, cats, pigs, birds, exotic animals, etc.). In several European countries, Australia, South Africa, United States and even in Chile there are industries that process and market insect flours. Insects are mainly composed of protein and fat in high concentrations, are harmless, and some have functional properties, such as antimicrobial peptides, which, in conclusion, make them a viable alternative for the feeding of humans and animals.

RESUMEN En los últimos años se han propuesto a los insectos como el alimento del futuro, sin embargo, surge la siguiente pregunta: ¿realmente se podrían usar como una alternativa de alimentación en la actualidad? Así el objetivo de la presente revisión fue analizar si los distintos tipos de productos en base a insectos son una buena opción para la alimentación humana y animal. En el mundo hay más de 1.900 especies de insectos comestibles, sin embargo, los más utilizados en la producción de alimentos para humanos son grillos (Acheta domesticus), larvas de mosca soldado negra (Hermetia illucens) y gusanos de la harina (Tenebrio molitor). Para alimentación animal generalmente son los dos últimos mencionados; por tanto, esta revisión se centra en éstos. Para humanos existe una gran cantidad de alimentos que contienen insectos como: barras de cereal, pastas, bebidas, cervezas, hamburguesas, golosinas para niños, “snacks” y también insectos deshidratados. Los cuales son producidos en países de Europa, Australia, Sudáfrica y Estados Unidos y también se pueden adquirir por internet. Para animales hay harina de insecto, alimentos concentrados y larvas deshidratadas o vivas. Los estudios en animales se han centrado en la alimentación de peces, pero también en otras especies (perros, gatos, cerdos, aves, animales exóticos, etc.). En varios países de Europa, Australia, Sudáfrica, Estados Unidos e incluso en Chile existen industrias que procesan y comercializan harinas. Los insectos están constituidos principalmente por proteínas y grasa, son inocuos, y algunos presentan propiedades funcionales, como péptidos antimicrobianos, lo que los hace ser una alternativa viable para la alimentación de humanos y animales.

RESUMO: Estima-se que em 2050 a população mundial contará com cerca de 9 bilhões de pessoas, e, portanto, a necessidade de fontes alternativas de proteína é inevitável, uma vez que as fontes convencionais, como carne de gado, suínos e aves, não serão suficientes para suprir a demanda do crescimento populacional. A alimentação que inclui fontes alternativas de proteína, como os insetos, é uma realidade em países da América Latina, Ásia, Austrália, Europa e África. Esta pesquisa apresenta os resultados de um estudo exploratório que analisou o perfil alimentar de 1.619 consumidores das cinco regiões brasileiras (Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste, Sudeste e Sul) quanto sua percepção, motivação e forma preferencial aos insetos comestíveis. Os dados foram analisados através de frequências cruzadas e expressos em porcentagem. Nossos resultados mostram que mulheres apresentam maior aversão ao consumo de insetos do que homens. Em geral, há preferência em consumir os insetos na forma de farinha, e inteiro para aqueles com mais familiaridade ao consumo de insetos. Majoritariamente, os consumidores brasileiros não tem opinião sobre a segurança em consumir insetos, contudo, em maiores níveis de escolaridade e a familiaridade os consumidores posicionam-se quanto à sua segurança.

ABSTRACT: It is estimated that by 2050 the world population will be 9 billion people; and therefore, the need for alternative sources of protein is inevitable, since conventional sources, such as beef, pork and poultry, will not be sufficient to meet the demand of population growth. Food that includes alternative sources of protein, such as insects, is a reality in countries of Latin America, Asia, Australia, Europe and Africa. This research presents the results of an exploratory study that analysed the food profile of 1,619 consumers in the five Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast and South) as well as their perception, motivation and preferred form of edible insects. The data were analysed by cross-tabulation and expressed as frequencies. Our results show that women are more reluctant than men to consume insects. In general, there is a preference for consumption of insects in the form of flour. However, those with more familiarity with this type of consumption prefer the whole insect. Most Brazilian consumers have no opinion about the safety of consuming insects; however, consumers with higher levels of education and familiarity consider it safe.

SUMMARY The author comments on the growing interest in exotic diets, including entomophagy. After describing the properties of insects as food, the author warns of the risk that arthropod intake may entail when due sanitary guarantees are not observed. However, entomophagy may be a possibility in the face of occasional starvation, drought, starvation and war or a hypothetical nuclear disaster. Experimental insect farms, as a source of protein, could bring knowledge of interest to the armed forces.

RESUMEN El autor comenta el interés creciente hacia dietas exóticas, entre las cuales destaca la entomofagia. Tras describir las propiedades de los insectos, como alimento, el autor advierte del riesgo que puede suponer la ingesta de artrópodos cuando no se observan las debidas garantías sanitarias. La entomofagia puede ser, no obstante, una posibilidad ante una carestía ocasional, sequías, hambrunas y conflictos bélicos o un hipotético desastre nuclear. Las granjas experimentales de insectos, como fuente de proteínas, podrían aportar conocimientos de interés para las fuerzas armadas.

Abstract Insects are considered unusual food in Europe whereas in other regions of the world are very common. Its consumption is non-existent due mainly to the cultural aversion towards them and the lack of regulations. To clarify what the legal status of insects is, two different situations in selling fried crickets are presented inside a case study: selling in October 2017 and in January 2025. Analysing the first situation it turns out that its merchandising is non-viable due to the legal vacuum in the European and Spanish regulations, whereas in 2025, fried crickets will be considered as a novel food. Despite all, more efforts are needed in order to create other regulations that focus into the expected quality and food safety.

Resum Els insectes es consideren un aliment inusual a Europa, però no en altres regions del món. Aquest consum inexistent es produeix a causa de l'aversió cultural cap a ells i a la falta d'una legislació comunitària que ho contempli. Per esclarir la situació de la comercialització de grills fregits enters, s'exposen dues situacions diferents en un mateix cas pràctic: la venda d'aquests insectes l'octubre de 2017 i el gener de 2025. En la primera situació, els grills no poden comercialitzar-se a causa del buit legal existent en la legislació comunitària i en l'espanyola, mentre que l'any 2025 seran considerats com aliments nous que podran comercialitzar-se. Així i tot, calen normatives complementàries que facin referència a la seva qualitat i seguretat alimentària.

Resumen Los insectos son considerados un alimento inusual en Europa, cuando no lo son para otras regiones del mundo. Este consumo inexistente es debido a la aversión cultural hacia ellos y a la falta de legislación comunitaria que los contemple. Para esclarecer la situación de la comercialización de grillos fritos enteros, se presentan dos situaciones distintas en un caso práctico: la venta en octubre de 2017 y enero de 2025. En la primera situación, los grillos no podrán comercializarse por el vacío legal de la legislación comunitaria y española, mientras que, en el año 2025, serán considerados nuevos alimentos y por lo tanto sí podrán comercializarse. Aun así, son necesarias normativas complementarias para abordar su calidad y seguridad alimentaria.

Abstract To determine conditions for establishing Comadia redtenbacheri (Hammerschmidt) cultures in a nursery, tests on production of the insect were conducted. Pots that contained loam soil and five agave plants approximately three years old were used. On these plants, larvae (>0.30 g) were released to induce pupation and adult emergence. The larvae were placed at densities of 200, 400 and 600 per pot with three replications distributed at random. To quantify adult emergence and oviposition on the agaves, pupal exuviae were counted and egg masses were weighed. Numbers of emerged adults were different: 15.9 % in pots with 600 larvae, 1.1 % with 400 larvae and 5.3 % with 200 larvae (p≤0.05). Weight of egg masses were also different: 0.9609 g with 600 larvae, 0.1257 g with 400 larvae and 0.2694 g with 200 larvae (p≤0.05).

Resumen Para determinar las condiciones para el establecimiento de cultivos en vivero de Comadia redtenbacheri (Hammerschmidt) se hicieron pruebas de producción del insecto. En macetas con suelo franco y cinco plantas de agave, de aproximadamente tres años, se liberaron larvas, con peso >0.30 g, se indujo la pupación y emergencia de los adultos. Las larvas se colocaron a densidades de 200, 400 y 600 por maceta con tres repeticiones distribuidas al azar. Para cuantificar la emergencia de los adultos y oviposición sobre los agaves se contaron las exuvias pupales y se pesaron las masas de huevos. El número de adultos emergidos fue diferente: 15.9 % en las macetas con 600 larvas, 1.1 % con 400 larvas y 5.3 % con 200 larvas (p≤0.05). Las masas ovipositadas también fueron diferentes: 0.9609 g con 600 larvas, 0.1257 g con 400 y 0.2694 g para 200 larvas (p≤0.05).

Abstract: The insects have been an important element not merely by their role in the terrestrial ecosystems, but likewise by their influence on human societies. Since the origins of human kind these organisms have been part of food, health, culture and agroecosystems where they have been not only competitors but also forecasters and carriers of ecosystem services. Due to great interest in the ecological restauration and models of sustainable development, such as the Agroecology, the insects are positioned as an excellent starting point for making development proposals that are consistent with the necessities of the modern society. The virtues that make insects an important knowledge system are discussed here. This scheme goes from natural and productive themes until social and cultural aspects that necessarily required transdisciplinary approaches in order to address this complexity, and they must be an important part for rural development from agroecology prespective.

Resumen: Los insectos han sido un elemento importante no sólo por su función en los ecosistemas terrestres, sino también por su influencia en las sociedades humanas. Desde los albores de la humanidad estos organismos han sido parte de la alimentación, la salud, la cultura y de los agroecosistemas no sólo como competidores, sino también como elementos pronosticadores y promotores de servicios ecosistémicos. Dado el creciente interés en la restauración ecológica y en modelos de desarrollo sustentables como la agroecología, los insectos se posicionan como un excelente punto de partida para desarrollar propuestas de desarrollo acordes con las necesidades de la sociedad actual. En el presente trabajo se exploran las virtudes que hacen de los insectos un sistema importante de conocimientos, que va de lo natural y productivo, hasta lo social y cultural, que necesariamente requiere de aproximaciones transdisciplinarias capaces de abordar dicha complejidad y que pueden ser fundamentales para el desarrollo rural desde la perspectiva agroecológica.

As an attempt to intensively produce the agave red worm Comadia redtenbacheri Hamm., there were tested six different infestation conditions with the goal to accomplish the establishment of larvae placed at the base of young agave plants under greenhouse conditions. In order to encourage infestation, there were used densities of 25, 50 and 100 larvae of third and fourth developing stage with an average weight of 55 milligrams, on two different irrigation conditions under intervals of one and two weeks, to keep vigorous plants and positive ground moisture conditions. Data were analyzed using logistical regression to identify the conditions that favor the best establishment rates. Results suggest that the highest establishment rate is given by the most spread irrigation condition (3 weeks) and lowest population densities (25 larvae for plant); however, the best larval weight was observed under the weekly irrigation scenario.

En un intento por producir de manera intensiva al gusano rojo del maguey, se probaron seis condiciones de infestación a fin de lograr el establecimiento de larvas colocadas en la base de plantas jóvenes de agave, bajo condiciones de invernadero. Para favorecer la infestación se usaron densidades de 25, 50 y 100 larvas de tercero y cuarto instar de 55 mg de peso en promedio y dos diferentes condiciones de riego, a intervalos de una y tres semanas, a fin de mantener el vigor de las plantas y las condiciones favorables de humedad del suelo. Los datos se analizaron utilizando regresión logística para identificar las condiciones que favorecen las mejores tasas de establecimiento. Los resultados sugieren que la mayor tasa de establecimiento se da bajo las condiciones de riego más espaciadas (cada tres semanas) y densidades más bajas (25 larvas por planta). Sin embargo, el mayor gramaje por larva se presentó bajo las condiciones de riego semanales.