Can You Eat Mormon Crickets? Exploring Edible Insects

Mormon crickets are flightless, ground-dwelling insects native to the western United States. These insects are known for their voracious appetite, consuming a variety of plant matter, including native forbs, grasses, and cultivated forage crops¹. Although crickets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about edible insects, they are indeed a valuable source of nutrients.

Edible insects provide a number of nutritional benefits, such as providing essential amino acids, particularly lysine, threonine, and tryptophan². Comparing them to traditional meat sources, insects can be a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. So, the question arises, can you eat Mormon crickets? The answer is yes, they can be consumed as a source of protein and other nutrients.

While the idea of eating Mormon crickets might seem unusual, they have been a food source for various species, including fish in Lodore Canyon³. Embracing the consumption of insects like these crickets could pave the way for new and innovative food industries, promoting a healthier and sustainable means of food production.

Mormon Crickets: An Overview

Anabrus Simplex: Biology and Characteristics

Mormon crickets, or Anabrus simplex, are a type of flightless, shield-backed katydid found in the Western United States¹. They are known for their significant size, with males ranging from 3,400 to 4,100 mg⁴. Here are some key characteristics of Mormon crickets:

• Flightless insects, despite having wings⁵
• Distinct shield-backed appearance
• Can eat their weight in food, including vegetation and other insects⁴

Historical Significance: Miracle of the Gulls

Mormon crickets have historical significance in Utah due to the “Miracle of the Gulls.” In 1848, Mormon settlers faced an outbreak of these crickets, which threatened their crops³. According to the story, seagulls suddenly arrived and consumed the cricket swarm, saving the settlers’ harvest. The event is considered a miracle and is part of Utah’s state folklore.

Range and Distribution: United States

Mormon crickets are found mainly in the Great Basin region, which includes parts of Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon, and the sagebrush-covered areas² of the Western United States. Outbreaks occur in this region, with large swarms affecting agriculture and ecosystems⁶.

In conclusion, their particular biology, historical significance, and range make Mormon crickets an interesting topic to explore.

Diet and Nutritional Aspects

Feeding Habits and Food Sources

Mormon crickets, as well as other crickets and katydids, have diverse feeding habits. Their diet mainly includes vegetation, plant stems, leaves, and seeds¹. Their food sources vary:

• Grasses: They feed on various grasses and can damage them by consuming plant growth and seed production¹.
• Forbs: These are non-grass flowering plants that crickets may consume.
• Shrubs: They might also feed on shrubs, affecting the growth of these plants.

Additionally, crickets can also eat invertebrates like insects and their eggs, even scavenging on road kills⁴.

Potential Nutrient Benefits for Humans

Crickets have been recognized as a potential protein source for human consumption⁵. Some of their nutritional benefits include:

• Protein: They can provide more protein than the same amount of rice or beef⁵.
• Iron: They contain higher levels of iron than that found in spinach⁵.
• Other nutrients: Crickets also provide essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids⁵.

Here’s a comparison table of the nutritional benefits of crickets, rice, and beef:

The consumption of crickets, like other insect-based diets, has potential pros and cons:

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly compared to livestock
• Rich in essential nutrients

Cons:

• Possible allergen
• Cultural resistance to consuming insects

Impact on Agriculture and Natural Landscapes

Effects on Crops and Rangelands

Mormon crickets and grasshoppers are natural components of the rangeland ecosystem. However, when their populations reach outbreak levels, they can cause serious economic losses to agriculture, particularly in warm, dry conditions. For example, they can damage forage plants on rangelands and consume cultivated crops in their migration path, as stated by the USDA.

Impact on agriculture:

• Economic losses due to crop consumption
• Damage to rangelands, affecting livestock production

Swarms and Migration Patterns

Mormon cricket swarms can be quite large, causing both damage and disturbance to various landscapes. Outbreaks of these pests lead to en masse migrations, posing a threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems as they move in large numbers.

Characteristics of swarms:

• Large populations migrating together
• Devastating effects on natural and agricultural ecosystems

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides support to suppress these pest populations when necessary, helping to protect rangelands from significant damage.

Pest Control and Management Strategies

Threats

Mormon crickets, a flightless katydid species, can reach outbreak-level populations and cause damage to natural and agricultural ecosystems ¹. These insects tend to move in large migratory bands consisting of millions or billions of individual insects ⁴. Their infestations can pose risks to crops and forage lands.

Mitigation Methods

Preventative measures and a combination of techniques should be used to suppress and manage Mormon cricket infestations:

• Monitoring: Regular population monitoring can help detect outbreaks early and determine appropriate pest control actions ⁵.
• Chemical Control: Pesticides such as carbaryl (Sevin) can be effective but pose environmental risks and potential harm to non-target predators.
• Biological Control: Natural predators like birds, rodents, and insects can help manage Mormon cricket populations. Encouraging their presence can provide eco-friendly pest control.
• Physical Control: Barriers like trenches, simple fencing, or sticky bands can be used to contain infestations or prevent their spread to sensitive areas.
• Cultural Control: Reducing clutter and sealing potential hiding places in landscapes can limit the spread of infestations ³, as can managing vegetation in affected areas.

Below is a comparison table of the mitigation methods:

By employing these integrated pest management strategies, it is possible to control and minimize the damage caused by Mormon crickets while reducing the dependence on chemical pesticides.

Eating Mormon Crickets: Benefits and Caveats

Comparing Mormon Crickets with Other Insects as Food

Mormon crickets are an edible insect, like many others. Here’s a comparison table of nutritional values between crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers:

Benefits of consuming crickets include:

• High protein content
• Low-fat content
• Rich in fiber

Safety Considerations

Mormon crickets can be eaten by humans, but there are safety concerns to keep in mind:

• Exoskeleton: The hard exoskeleton of crickets can be difficult to chew and digest, especially for children and elderly people. It may cause skin irritations and discomfort.
• Infection risk: Some crickets carry parasites that can be harmful to humans, especially when consumed raw or undercooked.

To minimize risks, follow these recommendations:

• Cook crickets thoroughly to kill parasites
• Remove exoskeletons before consuming

Potential Risks

Eating Mormon crickets may pose risks for some individuals:

• Allergies: People allergic to shellfish may also be allergic to crickets due to their similar protein composition.
• Aggressive behavior: Mormon crickets can be aggressive when disturbed. They may bite, resulting in minor injuries.

While there are benefits to consuming Mormon crickets, it is essential to consider the safety precautions and potential risks before indulging in this unique food source.