In rural areas of Thailand, large water bugs are often the insect of choice, mainly because they are so easy to find and harvest, but also because they emit a fragrant and appetizing scent when they are cooked.
The truly smitten have also been known to domesticate the beetles in small nurseries and sell the bugs in markets. As the U.N. report authors write, children in Asian countries like Thailand are often taught how to grow beetles and red ants in school.
The U.S. is home to a large population of water beetles, and they are credited with keeping other insect populations in control in wetland areas lacking the fish populations to do so.
Protein: 19.8 grams
Fat: 8.3 grams
Carbohydrates: 2.1 grams
When it comes to protein, the water beetle handily surpasses the kidney bean.
Kidney beans (100 grams)
Protein: 4.83 grams
Fat: 0.58 grams
Carbohydrates: 4.72 grams