In recent months, black stink bugs have become a valuable commodity for many traders in Vietnam. These insects, which are harmful to crops, can fetch up to 8 million VND per kilogram for dried specimens. Live black stink bugs are priced at 1-2 million VND per kilogram, while dried ones can fetch between 5-8 million VND. According to Mr. Manh, a trader in Lao Cai, Chinese traders purchase these insects to make medicine.
The demand for black stink bugs has driven up their prices significantly in the market. Traders from various regions in Vietnam, such as Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, have been actively seeking out these insects for sale. These traders specify that the insects are being purchased for medicinal purposes and not for food processing. Despite their harmful impact on agriculture, black stink bugs play a role in the ecosystem’s food chain and emphasize the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Aside from black stink bugs, traders have also been buying other insects like scarab beetles, three-lined worms, and cicada carcasses. However, black stink bugs command the highest prices due to their limited availability. Prof. Dr. Bui Cong Hien from the Vietnam Entomological Association highlighted that while there are numerous insect species consumed in China and Southeast Asia, there is no research supporting the use of black stink bugs as food. He cautioned against using these insects for consumption without proper research as spontaneous insect exploitation can lead to various consequences.
In conclusion, while some may see these pests as a nuisance to agriculture and livelihoods alike; they hold significant value in certain markets due to medicinal purposes or their rarity. It is crucial to investigate the environmental impact of collecting these pests and provide appropriate guidance to mitigate biodiversity loss while ensuring that any use or trade of them align with ethical and sustainable practices.
