Nutritional Potentials of Rhynchophorus phoenicis (Raphia palm weevil): Implications for Food Security

Proximate and chemical analysis were carried out on the Early Larva (EL) and Late Larva (LL) stages of Raphia palm weevil (Rhynchophorus Phoenicis) to ascertain its nutrition potentials. The Late Larva stage had the highest protein content of 10.50% while 9.10% was recorded for early larva stage. All other essential classes of food and amino acids were detected in varying amounts. The values derived for macro elements such as calcium, potassium and iron were (0.28 ± 0.01mg/100g), (455.00 ± 21.00mg/100g) and (6.50 ± 0.40mg/100g) respectively for Early Larva stage; (0.27 ± 0.01mg/100g), (457.50 ± 10.61mg/100g) and (6.00 ± 1.10mg/100g) respectively for Late Larva stage. The results of the mineral contents showed that nutritive contents of Phynchophorus phoenicis at LL stage are higher than EL stage. The study attests that both stages of the insect larva could form a base for food security by providing nutritious food to meet people dietary needs for active and healthy life.