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Table 1 Summary of differences between four ethnic groups utilising stinkbugs in Southern Africa

From: Comparative ethnoentomology of edible stinkbugs in southern Africa and sustainable management considerations

 

Mapulana (n = 37)

Vhavenda (n = 37)

Bolobedu (n = 29)

Shona (n = 3)

Origins and description of ethnic group

Mapulana are a sub-group of the northern Sotho

East African and Karanga (Zimbabwe) origins. Of eight Vhavenda sub-groups the Vhatavhatsindi, Vhambedzi and Vhangona eat stinkbugs

Karanga origins, settling first in Venda and finally at Ga-Modjadji. Bolobedu are the people of the Rain Queen and are also known as Balobedu or Lovedu

Karanga

Common vernacular

SePulana

TshiVenda.

Lobedu

Shona

Location

Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, South Africa

Thohoyandou and surrounding villages, Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa

Ga-Modjadji, Greater Letaba Local Municipality, South Africa

Bikita, Zimbabwe

Colonial era names

Mapulaneng

Venda

Duiwelskloof

Rhodesia

First use of stinkbugs and origin of current use

Recorded in 1944 [17]; pensioners claim to have learnt from grandparents

± 1930; pensioners claim to have learnt from grandparents

1982; claim to have learnt from co-workers at Middlekop tea estate

Recorded in 1905 [13]

Nomenclature

Tsonônô = he farts and is fat

Thungulifha, Dzhovhe, Mbilimedzi from vhilimedza = running after them, Dzama = to die, Fhela = they are scarce, Mbilimedzi khuluvhali = it is hot/very bitter/chillie flavour, Murotho = chemical secretion

Thongolifha, Podile = it is rotten, Morotho = chemical secretion

Harugwa, Harurwa = bitter caterpillar

Collection bag used

A fruit bag with loose weave similar to shade cloth

A maize meal or fruit bag

A maize meal bag

Storage method

Live stinkbugs kept in fruit bag

Prepared stinkbugs displayed in open containers/spread on bags

Shelf-life of stinkbugs

After two weeks captivity stinkbugs taste bitter [24]

After six months will taste stale/mouldy