Since we automatically associate bugs with dirt and filth, it might not be easy even to imagine eating them. After all, if we can\u2019t stand seeing them crawling around near our food, it may be nausea-inducing to imagine them being<\/em> the food!<\/p>\n\n\n\n But we\u2019re not here to debate about whether you want to eat bugs. We\u2019re here to tell you what bugs should stay on the ground rather than being served up on your dinner plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color:<\/strong> Predominantly black, with areas of very bright red, orange, yellow or white<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number of legs:<\/strong> 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n Size:<\/strong> 1\/8\u201d- 7\/8\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location: <\/strong>Continetal USA<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a name like \u201cthe Cow Killer,\u201d you might already be able to guess why these feisty insects aren\u2019t supposed to come close to your feet, let alone your mouth! <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the female Eastern Velvet Ant (Cow Killer) may look harmless due to its lack of wings, these insects are actually a wasp species! Female Cow Killers do not have wings, but sport a stinger can deliver a powerful sting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Males of this species look more like what you would imagine a wasp to look like, as they have wings. Male velvet ants are often found on flowers, although some species are nocturnal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sting of a female Eastern Velvet Ant has been rumored to kill cattle, hence the nickname \u201cCow Killer\u201d and while it is not quite powerful enough to kill a human, their sting might make you feel like you\u2019re dying. It would be best if you did not handle these insects at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These wasps are typically most active at dusk or during the dead of night. They can be found in large open areas like meadows, fields, lawns, and sandy areas. Be on the lookout for females who cannot fly and typically walk around on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Females are typically seen running somewhat erratically on the ground, especially on bare or sandy areas in the warm summer months. These pests will occasionally enter structures for insect prey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this information, it\u2019s apparent why you should not consume these stinging insects. If you ever see one, I would put your pride aside and run away. The pain associated with their pointy rears is no joke!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color:<\/strong> Red and yellow, with a black or brown gaster<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number of legs:<\/strong> 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n Size:<\/strong> between 0.094\u201d and 0.236\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: South America up to the Southern States. Reports in India and Philippines TBC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Red imported fire ants are another type of insect you definitely want to avoid eating. It goes without saying that their name was not given to them without reason. These ants have a potent sting that causes a variety of painful and potentially fatal symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These aggressive ants are incredibly difficult to identify, as they are polymorphic, meaning they appear in many different shapes and sizes. Female ants of this species are generally red or yellow, with a brown or black gaster. Males, however, are completely black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These ants use their venom to catch prey or for self-defense. Their venom contains toxic proteins that can be potent, especially in sensitive individuals. More than 14 million US citizens are stung by these ants annually. Many of these individuals develop allergic reactions to the venom of a red imported fire ant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are stung by a red imported fire ant, you may experience many worrisome symptoms such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These symptoms usually do not require medical attention and will only remain for a few days at most. However, up to 6% of people may suffer from a severe, life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of anaphylaxis include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n With anaphylactic shock being life-threatening, it is no surprise that over 80 deaths have been recorded as a result of a red imported fire ant\u2019s sting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find these ants in rain forests, deserts, alongside roads and buildings, and grasslands. Colonies of these ants will form large soil mounds with no visible entrances, as they use a tunnel system to enter and exit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I can\u2019t say I have ever craved ants, but for those of you who do, steer clear of the red imported fire ants. Your mouth and belly will thank you for it, and losing your life because you wanted to chomp down on an ant is simply not worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Ranges from an ash gray to bright yellow with black stripes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number of legs: <\/strong>6<\/p>\n\n\n\n Size<\/strong>: 0.39\u201d to 0.90\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: worldwide<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blister beetles don\u2019t have stingers, nor are their jaws capable of breaking human skin! So they must be harmless, right? Well, not really.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any contact with one of these beetles will result in blister beetle dermatitis. This type of dermatitis appears within 24 \u2013 48 hours after coming into contact with a blister beetle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blister beetle dermatitis will cause welts and blisters to appear on your skin as a reaction to the chemical that these beetles release. Blister beetles release this chemical, known as cantharidin, as a way of protecting themselves from predators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The blisters that are caused by exposure to cantharidin form on any part of the area that comes into contact with the substance. You may develop further blisters or welts if you crush a blister beetle on your skin. Pain, burning, and swelling often accompany these skin irregularities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Blisters are temporary, with most symptoms improving within seven days. There\u2019s a low risk of scarring with this type of bug-related skin condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll find blister beetles near alfalfa and weeds during bloom. They feed on nectar and pollen. These beetles tend to congregate in swarms and are most commonly found in southern Africa, especially Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though these bugs aren\u2019t lethal when consumed, I hope we can all agree that any sort of blister or welt is uncomfortable. Now imagine that in your mouth. No thank you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are over 7500 species of this beetle, all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Dark brown, with a yellow hue<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number of legs: <\/strong>6<\/p>\n\n\n\n Size:<\/strong> 2\u201d – 3\u201d long<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japanese oriental wasps are twice the size of any normal wasp. That, on its own, is terrifying enough to keep them off most people\u2019s dinner plates. But, if that somehow wasn\u2019t enough to deter you from consuming them, let\u2019s look at what else makes them a highly unfavorable treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wasps are extremely aggressive animals. Japanese oriental wasps, however, are one of the most aggressive insects on the planet. Near to one hundred wasps can sting you at a time, with each one delivering multiple devastatingly painful stings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who have been stung by this wasp say that the pain is one of the most excruciating experiences they have ever had. The amount of venom delivered by these wasps exceeds that of any other venomous animal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fatality rate resulting from the stings of these wasps is relatively high, averaging fifty deaths per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This wasp lives in remote locations, specifically on isolated islands in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping all of this in mind, I definitely don\u2019t find these angry insects appetizing. I think it\u2019s safe to say that any sane person would be saying the same thing. If you somehow thought these bugs would look good as an entr\u00e9e, you would be in for a sore surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color:<\/strong> Bright orange and black<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number of legs:<\/strong> 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n Size:<\/strong> Wingspan is 3-4\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: Continental USA, and Pretty much worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The monarch butterfly is an incredibly common butterfly to see fluttering around your garden. However, tummy troubles await those who dare to munch down on these beautifully deceiving insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A monarch butterfly\u2019s black and orange wings are to be seen as a warning sign. Heed this warning, as these butterflies do not take kindly to predators. These beautiful insects feed on milkweed, which is highly toxic and can disrupt cardiac contractions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Monarch butterflies are most commonly found across North America, wherever suitable living and breeding conditions exist. They are separated into two populations divided by the Rocky Mountains, called the eastern and the western populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While adding these butterflies to your diet won\u2019t kill you, it will cause you serious stomach upset, which can lead to other complications such as dehydration. I think it\u2019s safe to say that we should all avoid eating these insects and rather stick to our regular diets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color<\/strong>: White or cream-colored<\/p>\n\n\n\n Size<\/strong>: \u00be \u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: Global<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be honest; flies are pesky creatures. No one wants flies buzzing around and ruining their perfect mealtime. Well, their larva, maggots, are not any better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eating one of these squirmy larvae does not make for a tasty meal. Further than that, maggots consume things like rotting food, fecal matter, and even human flesh. This is enough to deter even the bravest foodies from trying to eat them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When consumed by humans, maggots can cause intestinal myiasis, which is when larvae inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and nest in vital organs. This parasitic infection can cause sepsis and even death when left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These larvae can also cause bacterial infections or allergic reactions. Certain types of larvae are known to cause respiratory and asthmatic symptoms, as well as contact dermatitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some researchers believe that people may have an allergic reaction to larvae that have consumed or been exposed to foods they are allergic to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cultures, maggots are cooked and then consumed, but experts warn people to stay away from these crunchy cultural meals. They can cause many health issues and are simply unhygienic creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color:<\/strong> Black Location<\/strong>: Global more commonly in warm climates<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leeches are another type of animal that should definitely not be paired with a good glass of wine and light conversation. Some survival guides recommend grinding these slimy slug-like creatures into a paste, but medical professionals have deemed this unsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These bloodsuckers can cause devastating health issues, and experts warn people against eating these nasty bugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swallowing leeches whole can cause them to latch onto the inside of your airway system, and this can cause suffocation and can even prove to be fatal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On top of this, trying to source leeches to serve up may prove to be dangerous on its own, as leech bites can become serious when medical treatment is not sought out immediately. One leech bite shouldn\u2019t do you harm, but multiple leeches biting you ate once can cause severe blood loss and, in rare cases, death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there isn\u2019t one specific way to tell if a bug is poisonous or not, it is best to stay away from the bugs that are brightly colored, especially smelly or hairy. It would also be smart to steer clear of insects that bite or sting. It\u2019s best to avoid insects that carry diseases, like flies, ticks, and mosquitoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even edible bugs should be eaten with caution, as most need to be cooked or sourced properly before being consumed. When they are raw, some bugs carry parasites or diseases that can prove to be lethal or, at the very least, incredibly detrimental to a person\u2019s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the use of herbicides and pesticides being so common, a few risks come with eating insects. Animals, humans, and insects are all negatively affected by pesticides and herbicides. When eating insects, you are at a somewhat higher risk of poisoning from lead and arsenic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While eating insects is common practice in many cultures worldwide, some bugs are better when they are left to wriggle, crawl or fly around outside. Not all the insects mentioned in this article will cause death or serious harm, but they should still not be consumed, even if you\u2019re desperate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I know that I certainly won\u2019t be complaining about my meals anytime soon, knowing that I could very well be forced to eat these insects instead. If you happen to consume any of these bugs, seek medical treatment immediately. It is much better to be safe than sorry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Should we all be eating insects? For a lot of us, this question needs no thought. Of course, we shouldn\u2019t eat bugs! You may think that a lot of people agree that eating bugs is gross. Well, that\u2019s not the case, as 80% of the world\u2019s population have included insects as a staple in their […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2672,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Cow Killer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-Bugs-Arent-Safe-To-Eat-01.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Red Imported Fire Ant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-Bugs-Arent-Safe-To-Eat-02.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBlister Beetles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-Bugs-Arent-Safe-To-Eat-03.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJapanese Oriental Wasp<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-Bugs-Arent-Safe-To-Eat-04-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Monarch Butterfly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-Bugs-Arent-Safe-To-Eat-05.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMaggots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-Bugs-Arent-Safe-To-Eat-06.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat happens if a human ingests maggots?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Leeches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-Bugs-Arent-Safe-To-Eat-07.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Size:<\/strong> 0.3 \u2013 3\u201d long<\/p>\n\n\n\nBugs That are Toxic When Consumed Without Proper Preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do I determine if an insect is Toxic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What risks are involved with eating insects?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n