Investigation on Using Pine Caterpillars (Dendrolimus spp.) as Food in Yunnan Minor Nationality Areas

Pine caterpillars are the most destructive forest pests in China. A very important aspect,that is, the traditional knowledge of these insects from ethnic communities in the mountain regions,especially in Yunnan,has long been ignored in studying them. Working in these areas, we found that many indigenous groups such as Hani,Dai and Lafu minor nationalities favor eating the pupae of pine caterpillars and this phenomenon is very popular in some areas. According to our investigation,this practice is related to poverty in history;the first ethnic group using the pupae as food might be the Kaduo,a branch of Hani,in Mojing;and this tradition dated back from as early as late Qing Dynasty or before. This traditional knowledge shows us that these pests could be turned into resources and controlled through exploiting and utilizing them.