Re: Are weaver ants edible for human beings?

Hello, Sakura.  Welcome to the mad scientist organization.  

The answer to your question is, yes, weaver ants can and are eaten by 
humans.  In fact, practically any insect can be eaten, and they provide an 
important source of protein, calories, vitamins - such as Vitamin B1 and 
B2, as well as minerals.  Many native peoples indulge in this practice, 
scientifically called entomophagy.  This food source can be especially 
important in poorer countries where other food sources are less 
plentiful.  Although Western countries such as ours, may frown upon this 
practice, humans are omniverous, meaning we can eat everything.

In fact, weaver ants are eaten in Northern Thailand, where a popular dish 
includes sticky rice which is dipped into a mix of ants, ant eggs, and 
chili, considered a delicacy.
In parts of India and Indochina, a paste of green weaver ants is a spicy 
condiment, while these ants also spice up rice in Borneo.  They are even 
made into a beverage in Australia!  Some natives in South America eat them 
live, canned or toasted, like peanuts.  Apparently, it tastes like bacon, 
although I admit I've never tried them.

There are plenty of sites on the web, about insects for human consumption, 
but I'll give you some good ones to start:

www.thaibugs.com/edible%20insects.htm
www.ag.auburn.edu/aaes/webpress/1999/entomophagy.htm
www.pulseplanet.com/archive/Apr99/1855.html

Hope that helps, and Bon Appetit!

Peter Bosani.