Browsing by Author "Rutaro, Karlmax"

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The fatty acid composition of edible grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) feeding on diversifying diets of host plants
(Wiley online Library: Entomological Research, 2018-12-12) Rutaro, Karlmax; Malinga, Geoffrey M.; Lehtovaara, Vilma J.; Opoke, Robert; Valtonen, Anu; Kwetegyeka, Justus; Nyeko, Philip; Roininen, Heikki
Ruspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) is a highly valued edible grasshopper species in Africa. However, the effects of plant diets on lipid content and fatty acid composition of R. differens are not well understood. We tested the effects of four diets on the total lipid content and fatty acid composition of R. differens. Sixth instar nymphs of R. differens were reared on one, and mixtures of two, three, and six natural plant inflorescences. Individuals collected from the field constituted a control treatment. We extracted lipids and analyzed the fatty acid methyl esters using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We analyzed if the total lipid content, body weight, and fatty acid composition differed among diets and between the sexes using two-way ANOVAs and a PERMANOVA model, respectively. The total lipid content and weight of R. differens did not differ among the diets. The nine common fatty acids were palmitic (mean across treatments, 26%), oleic (22%), palmitoleic (18%), linoleic (13%), stearic (7%), myristic (6%), myristoleic (4%), α-linolenic (2%) and arachidic acid (1%). The composition of fatty acids and the proportion of essential fatty acids significantly differed among the diets. The proportion of essential fatty acids was highest in the control treatment (21%) but low in less diversified (one to three feed) diets (12–13%). This study demonstrates that the fatty acid composition in R. differens can be influenced through diet. Thus, with dietary manipulations, using local plants in Africa, it is possible to produce R. differens with preferred high quality essential fatty acids for human consumption.
Is the long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) a novel, nutritious, functional, and safe alternative food product? A review
(Journal of Economic Entomology, 2026-03-17) Kababu, Margaret; Mweresa, Collins; Nakimbugwe, Dorothy; Ssepuuya, Geoffrey; Rutaro, Karlmax; Matojo, Nicodemus; Nyamu, Faith; Mbeche, Robert; Subramanian, Sevgan; Ekesi, Sunday; Tanga, Chrysantus
Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) is among the most widely consumed edible insect in Eastern and Central Africa, where it contributes to both household nutrition and income generation. As a nutrient-dense food source, it offers a promising alternative to curb food insecurity and malnutrition. Despite this, the consumption and use of the grasshopper is limited to its seasonal availability when it is collected from the wild. Coupled with this, is limited evidence on its domestication despite research advances to optimize conditions for mass production. This review was conducted to highlight research advances and gaps on production, processing, nutritional profile, and safety of R. differens as a food source. Findings from the review revealed that R. differens is widely consumed in Africa. It is rich in protein (28% to 54%), fat (33% to 49%), amino acids, fatty acids, micronutrients, and antioxidants; however, its nutrient quality and shelf life are influenced by diverse processing methods. Studies have reported the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in some market samples, highlighting the need for improved hygiene and processing standards. Therefore, enabling policies, captive rearing, and safe processing of R. differens would be revolutionary in increasing its availability, consumption, and commercialization for improved food and nutrition security.