The children of Africa have been taught since a young age that the Mopanes are an acceptable food source. When these African children begin to have their own offspring, they will pass along this same knowledge and beliefs.
In the past, insect consumption has played a role in most societies worldwide. In North America the Indians living in the western part of the continent consumed insects on a daily basis. As time elapsed views have changed (Taylor 1975). The Europeans that eventually came to inhabit North America brought their beliefs and traditions with them. North America along with the rest of the Western World view insects as a completely inedible side dish. On the other hand if a traveler today was to venture to New Guinea they would find that insect protein constitutes for over 50% of animal protein intake (Illgner 2000). Quite different from what can be found in Canada or Europe, where the main source of animal protein comes from traditional sources. Insects are not only used as a food source in other parts of the world but also as an export to help supply communities with needed funds. South Africa not only uses the Mopane caterpillars as food but also as a trade commodity. In 1982 alone, South Africa traded 16,000 tonnes (Illgner 2000). Many societies have developed ways to use the insects for food but also as a way to economically strengthen the community in which they live.
As the population of the world grows and resources start to become scarce isn't it nice to know there is an alternative food source to fall back on. The general population of the U.S. unknowingly eats insects on a daily basis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has established standards on the allowable amount of insects that can be in foods sold to the public. It is acceptable for there to be up to 60 aphids in 3 ½ ounces of frozen broccoli and 3 fly maggots in 200 grams of tomato juice (Gordon 1998).