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Insects and terrestrial invertebrates are presumed to have consistently contributed to the diet of our ancestors and it is estimated that 1386 insects are still adopted worldwide for human nutrition. As elsewhere in the tropical world, insects are a part of the diet of Irian Jaya populations. The distribution of insect food consumption on the western side of New Guinea island follows different patterns, according to the environment and to population subsistence economy.
In the forest biome of the periferic mountain areas, many different insect species are collected in small numbers, mainly by women and children. Insect collection occurs by chance but probably helps these subjects, the most vulnerable to possible food‐shortages, to complement their diet with some extra proteins and fats.
In the western lowlands, a complex cultural system is centered around the traditional staple: sago (Metroxylon sagu and rumphii). The pit of this palm, which grows spontaneously in the swampy forest plains, contains a high amount of starch and is easily gathered by the local people. A beetle (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus papuanus) is strictly linked to the sago palm and oviposits especially on damaged or felled specimens. Villagers manage the sago palms in order to increase palmworm oviposition and to collect a consistent number of larvae about 6 weeks later. This ancient sago culture, favoured by an abundant and reliable resource, has developed a rich ceremonial life connected with sago larvae consumption.
Ecologic, economic and cultural factors influencing the variety of insect consumption modalities are taken into account. The development of local, small‐scale invertebrate breeding systems can contribute to the development of sustainable, renewable resources and protect tropical forests from degradation.
