Arachnophagy

Arachnophagy (/əˈræknɒfədʒi/, from Greek ἀράχνη aráchnē, 'spider', and φαγεῖν phagein, 'to eat') describes a feeding behaviour that includes arachnids. Aside from non-human creatures, the term can also refer to the practice of eating arachnids among humans.[1]

In non-humans

House gecko feeding on spider

Arachnophagy is widespread among many animals, especially reptiles and birds. For example, arachnophagy is described among Philippine scops owls that feed on spider species such as Heteropoda venatoria.[2]

In humans

Arachnophagy is also found in human culture, describing the consumption of spiders ...
... or other arachnids like scorpions.
A wheel of young Milbenkäse

Like the human consumption of insects (entomophagy), arachnids as well as myriapods also have a history of traditional consumption, either as food or medicine. Arachnids include spiders, scorpions and mites (incl. ticks) that are consumed by humans worldwide.[3]

Fried spider, primarily tarantula species, is a regional snack in Cambodia. In Mexico, tarantula have been offered in tacos, with a splash of guacamole.[4] However, Mexican law forbids the sale of many species of tarantula for human consumption, and vendors offering this delicacy have been shut down by authorities.[5] In Venezuela, the Piaroa people have an history in eating the Goliath birdeater tarantula (Theraphosa blondi).[6]

Fried scorpion is traditionally eaten in Shandong, China.[7] Other countries include Vietnam and Thailand.[6]

Milbenkäse is a German speciality cheese that is exposed to cheese mites during ripening, and on consumption often still has mites attached to the rind.[8]

References

  1. ^ Christopher Healey, Margaret Florey (2003): Alune arachnophagy and approaches to spiders among an eastern Indonesian people. In: Journal of ethnobiology. Vol. 23, pp. 1–22.
  2. ^ 배리온-듀포, A. L. A. (2009) 오투스 메갈로티스 월든의 아라크노파기. 필리핀 곤충학자, 23(2), 174-178.
  3. ^ E.M. 코스타-네토, N.T. 그라보스키(2020년 11월 27일): 전 세계적으로 식용 거미류 및 무수한 식품 – 업데이트된 목록, 영양 프로필 및 식품 위생 관련 영향 In: Journal of Food and Feed: 0, 페이지 1-20. doi: https://doi.org/10.3920/JIFF2020.0046
  4. ^ "¡A comer tarántula! (no en Camboya, sino en México)". www.animalgourmet.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  5. ^ "Aseguran tarántulas que serían convertidas en tacos Animal Político". www.animalpolitico.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  6. ^ a b NBC 뉴스/베스 그린월드(2011년 10월 27일) : 믿지 못할 곤충 15마리를 먹을 수 있다.
  7. ^ Forney, Matthew (June 11, 2008). "Scorpions for Breakfast and Snails for Dinner". The New York Times.
  8. ^ "Würchwitzer Milbenkäse". Slow Food Deutschland e.V.