Conservation of Lepidoptera used as human food and medicine

Many butterflies and moths are of conservation concern and formally recognised as being at risk. There are nearly 400 species of Lepidoptera used as human food or medicine, and the demand for some species has increased to the extent that they are overexploited. Most are harvested in the wild, and there is a need to develop harvesting and habitat management protocols to ensure sustainability. Detailed scientific information on most species is lacking. Management plans to conserve selected species are necessary, and traditional knowledge is an important and valuable foundation. Some of the better known species could be excellent flagship taxa because they can be a symbol for food security, traditional knowledge and culture, conservation of insect biodiversity, and their habitats.