Edible ants: exploring species and their utilisation

Abstract Various ant species and their products serve as food sources across different regions of the world. Notable examples include Carebara spp. from Africa, Atta spp. and Liometopum sp. from Latin America, Formica rufa from Europe, and Oecophylla spp. from Asia. In addition to being consumed directly, ants are used as flavouring agents and incorporated into a variety of culinary recipes. Humans also harvest cereals and honey gathered by ants.