Black stink bugs, once considered pests to crops, are now a valuable commodity for traders. These insects can fetch up to 8 million VND per kilogram when dried. In provinces like Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Thanh Hoa, traders are actively seeking live black stink bugs for 1-2 million VND per kilogram and dried specimens for 5-8 million VND. The demand is high from Chinese traders who use them to make medicine.
While black stink bugs are known to be harmful to agriculture, they also contribute to biodiversity as part of the ecosystem’s food chain. However, experts warn against consuming these insects without proper research as there is limited information on their edibility and medicinal properties. The exploitation of insects for profit has raised concerns about its impact on the environment and biodiversity. Authorities should investigate sustainable practices and provide guidance on collecting black stink bugs responsibly.
In addition to black stink bugs, traders have shown interest in purchasing other insects such as scarab beetles, three-lined worms, and cicada carcasses. However, black stink bugs are particularly prized for their scarcity and high price. Despite the challenges of collecting these bugs, traders are eager to meet the demand from Chinese buyers.
The recent surge in demand for black stink bugs has created a profitable market for traders in Vietnam. While some may see this as an opportunity to make money quickly, others raise concerns about the long-term implications of this trend on the environment and biodiversity.
Black stink bugs have become a valuable commodity due to their medicinal properties in Chinese traditional medicine. Traders in Lao Cai buy live specimens at a premium price of 1-2 million VND per kilogram while dried specimens can fetch up to 8 million VND per kilogram.
The rise in demand for these insects has led some provinces like Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Thanh Hoa to actively seek them out for sale.
Despite the challenges of collecting these insects due to their abundance or rarity depending on the type of bug sought after by traders, they continue to be highly sought after due to their medicinal properties.
Experts advise caution when consuming these insects without proper research due to limited information on their edibility and medicinal properties.
Traders must ensure that they collect black stink bugs responsibly and follow sustainable practices if they want to continue profiting from this market while minimizing its impact on the environment and biodiversity.
Overall, it’s clear that the demand for black stink bugs is driven by its medicinal properties rather than its value as an agricultural pest control method or its contribution to biodiversity conservation efforts.
