Adolescents strive to maintain large water beetles as culinary options
In the bustling streets of Thailand, a unique delicacy is making waves - the giant water bug. These insects, known scientifically as Lethocerus indicus, are not just a culinary treat but have also become the subject of a groundbreaking project by a team of Thai high school students.
The team, from the Demonstration School of Khon Kaen University in Muang Khonkaen, has developed an AI program capable of determining the sex of these bugs during their fourth developmental stage, which is about a month old. This breakthrough has significant implications for the farming of giant water bugs, a practice that is gaining traction in various parts of the world.
Giant water bugs can reach lengths of 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) and play a crucial role in Nam Prik Mang Da, a popular chili paste in Thailand. They are also a sought-after ingredient in various countries, including India and Southeast Asia, where they are enjoyed as street food or in curries and sauces.
The AI's sex determination is approximately 80 percent accurate, and the students' innovation has helped improve the survival rate of the bugs by 60 percent compared to those fed a natural diet. The new diet consists of fish byproducts and gelatin, a significant departure from the bugs' wild diet of tadpoles, small fish, and large insects.
Interestingly, the males of giant water bugs are fruit-scented and sell for twice as much as females in the market. This is due to their unique aroma, which is likened to a mix of green apple and banana. Diners in Columbus, Ohio, are willing to pay more for the fruit-scented males, as the bugs are currently being offered as a menu special.
The females, on the other hand, are slightly darker and have distinctive markings on their abdomens, resembling the letter U. The female giant water bug is also larger than the male, which is a key factor in giant water bug farming, as it requires an equal number of males and females for optimal results.
The team's work has been recognised with a $1,200 award in animal science, a testament to their dedication and innovation. However, the students' names have not been publicly disclosed.
Despite these advancements, populations of giant water bugs are still under threat due to pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change. The team's work could potentially help in the conservation of these fascinating creatures, ensuring that they remain a delicacy enjoyed by many for generations to come.
