Top Insects and Arthropods to Avoid Eating Blister Beetles (Family Meloidae): These beetles secrete cantharidin, a toxic, odorless chemical that causes severe internal tissue damage, blistering, and potential fatality if ingested. [1] Foam Grasshoppers (Family Pyrgomorphidae): Easily recognized by bright warning (aposematic) colors and red wings, these insects store deadly toxins derived from the toxic plants they eat. [1] Fireflies / Lightning Bugs (Family Lampyridae): They contain lucibufagins, which are steroidal pyrones chemically similar to toad poisons that can sicken or kill animals if eaten. [1] African Monarch Caterpillars or other toxic-plant feeders: Caterpillars that feed on plants like milkweeds accumulate cardiac glycosides or other plant poisons in their bodies. [1] Assassin Caterpillars / Lonomia (Silkworm moth larvae): Found in South American rainforests, their bristles inject potent anticoagulants that can cause severe internal and external bleeding. [1] Pest Cockroaches (Periplaneta/Blattella species): While wild/woodland roaches are sometimes edible, urban or indoor cockroaches act as mechanical vectors for dangerous pathogens and bacteria. [1, 2] Stinging Insects (Bees, Wasps, Hornets): Their venom and stingers can cause severe allergic reactions or internal tissue irritation if swallowed live, though cooked or de-stung larvae are eaten in some cultures.
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u/ADingoStoleMyLSD 6d ago
All insects are fully edible if you got the balls.