Soybean hawkmoth (Clanis bilineata tsingtauica) as food ingredients: a review

The soybean hawkmoth, known as Clanis bilineata tsingtauica (CBT), is a traditional edible insect of East Asia. CBT larvae are an ideal nutrient source containing 18 amino acids and 19 fatty acids. The total essential amino acid contents could meet the requirement of preschool children and adults. Long chain fatty acid content, especially linolenic acid is quite high than egg or soybean. Various active components, such as oil, polysaccharide, chitosan, can change the anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, hypolipidemic and anti-bacterial properties. CBT larvae are of high protein, low fat, and easily absorbed by the human body. Thus, CBT larvae could be used as an alternative food ingredient, such as whole food and individual active component resource. Edible CBT foods could meet the emerging global demand for animal protein and resolve the food security issues. This review will provide an insight into CBT nutrient composition and their potential application in functional foods.