Insects

FM 21-76 considers them one of the easiest sources of protein to obtain. If you plan to eat them:

• Avoid those that sting or bite, hairy or brightly colored ones, those that smell bad, caterpillars, and those that transmit disease (flies, mosquitoes, ticks). Never spiders or scorpions.
• Grasshoppers, crickets, beetle larvae, and termites are among the most commonly used. Remove the legs, wings, and head from grasshoppers and crickets (they can get stuck in the throat).
• Always cook insects (roasted or boiled): they can carry parasites.
• Do not collect them near sprayed areas, garbage, or drains.
• Fire ants are common in many parts of the U.S.: their stings cause strong reactions. Do not disturb them.
• If you are allergic to shellfish, you may react to insects.