Harvesting wild edible insects: the case of chicatana ant (Atta mexicana) in Mexico

Purpose This paper examines the harvesting of the chicatana ant (Atta mexicana) in Mexico as a case study to explore the interactions among traditional food systems, pest management practices and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study approach was adopted, drawing on peer-reviewed literature and previously reported field observations concerning harvesting practices, cultural relevance, market value and pest control strategies associated with A. mexicana.

Findings The case reveals a dual perception of A. mexicana as both an agricultural pest and a culturally valued food resource. Seasonal harvesting during nuptial flights represents a potentially low-impact practice embedded in local food systems. However, its sustainability is undermined by intensive pesticide use, the lack of harvesting guidelines and the erosion of traditional ecological knowledge.

Originality/value This study contributes to the limited body of case-based research on wild edible insects in Latin America. It highlights governance gaps at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, food traditions and agricultural management.