First Insights on the Diversity of Edible Grasshoppers in South Africa by DNA Barcoding of Ethnospecies

Orthoptera are widely consumed in South Africa, but the actual diversity of species is largely undocumented. We used DNA barcoding to catalog seven ethnospecies of edible grasshoppers (Malefiswane, Tatakgope, Makahlodi, Mamaroping, Makihla, Makwitla, Tlatlawele) and edible Vlei grasshoppers. Genetic clustering and genetic divergences allowed for the identification of 14 genetic groups in Acrididae and one in Pyrgomorphidae. Species identification by sequence queries against BOLD Systems and GenBank was inconclusive in most cases. We confirm that DNA barcoding in Orthoptera is challenging due to NUMTs. Species diversity of edible grasshoppers in South Africa is high, and some may be suitable for mass-rearing.