Ethno-Entomological Practices by the Tribes of South-Kamrup, Assam

Ethno-entomology is the branch which studies interactions between humans and insects. The present study aims to document the utilization of insects by tribal communities in 15 villages of South-Kamrup. The tribal people of South Kamrup are found to practice entomophagy, entomo-therapy, sericulture, and apiculture. They consume 17 species of insects belonging to nine orders for their rich protein content. The study also revealed that four insect species are used for treating ailments like cough, flu, mouth ulcers, etc. The tribal people of South Kamrup are engaged in sericulture and apiculture for revenue generation. They sell cocoons and pupae of eri silkworms (Samia ricini Drury) through which they earn approximately ₹9,000-10,000 annually, while the per-unit system brings in ₹13,500-22,500. Additionally, selling pupae alone generates an annual income of ₹2,880-4,800. Honey production through rearing of Apis cerana indica, Fabricius 1798 provides the people an additional income of ₹2,400-4,500 annually.