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Which arthropods are used as food by people around the world?

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A spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) with long, striped antennae and spiny body stands on sandy ground near a rocky crevice underwater. — arthropod Spiny lobster, or rock lobster (*Palinurus elephas*).

Arthropods are a significant global food source, primarily categorized into two groups: crustaceans and insects.

Crustaceans

Larger species, particularly decapods, are widely consumed and hold significant economic value. These include:
* Shrimp and Prawns: Harvested globally by fisheries.1
* Crabs: Various species are consumed, such as the blue crab, Dungeness crab, king crab, and the edible crab of Europe.12
* Lobsters: The true lobster is considered a highly prized food source.1
* Others: Crayfish are consumed in freshwater regions, while certain barnacles are regarded as delicacies in parts of South America, France, and Spain.1

Insects

The consumption of insects, known as entomophagy, is practiced worldwide, particularly in tropical regions where over 2,000 species are eaten. Common groups include:3
* Orthoptera: Crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts are popular, protein-rich choices.435
* Other Insects: Consumption also includes beetles, caterpillars, ants, bees, wasps, termites, dragonflies, and various flies.3

Insects are increasingly recognized as a sustainable, efficient protein source that requires fewer resources than traditional livestock.35