Busting Insect Myths: What Hollywood Gets Wrong
Summary
In this article, we will be discussing common insect myths that Hollywood perpetuates in movies and how they are inaccurate. We will also explore the benefits of eating insects and the caveats that come with it.
Table of Contents
- Inaccurate Depiction of Bee Colonies
- Eating Bugs: The Future of Food
- Caveats of Eating Insects
- Brain-Sucking Bugs: Hollywood’s Fiction
- Conclusion
Inaccurate Depiction of Bee Colonies
In most movies and artwork, bee colonies are depicted as golden lumps hanging from tree branches. However, this is not accurate. In the past, colonies were kept in baskets called skeps that looked exactly like the hanging lumps. The baskets were woven by people, and the honeybee nest was placed inside.
Eating Bugs: The Future of Food
As the world is careening towards climate disaster, we need to be realistic about the food we consume. Insects are more efficient processors of food than animals, such as cows. For example, crickets are six times more efficient than cows. While insects may not be a common food source in Western countries, they are a staple in many cultures worldwide.
Caveats of Eating Insects
While insects are nutritious, there are caveats to consider. Insects have chitin in their exoskeleton, which can trigger allergies in people allergic to shellfish. Additionally, some insects are chemically defended and have warning colors to signal to other organisms that they are not to be eaten.
Brain-Sucking Bugs: Hollywood’s Fiction
Hollywood has perpetuated the myth of brain-sucking bugs, such as the earwig, crawling into people’s ears and feeding on their brains. However, this is entirely fictional. Earwigs live under rocks and feed on dead leaves and other detritus. It is difficult for anything to get into the skull and eat the brain, contrary to what Hollywood portrays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to be curious and skeptical of what Hollywood portrays in movies. Many times, what they depict is not accurate. Eating insects can be a sustainable and nutritious food source, but it is essential to consider the caveats. So, let’s keep our curiosity stoked and continue to do our research.
