The Bodo community of Assam possesses a rich tradition of indigenous knowledge associated with the use of insects for food, medicine, livelihood, and cultural practices. This review synthesizes existing literature on the role of insects in Bodo society, focusing on entomophagy, entomotherapy, ecological importance, socio-cultural relevance, and sustainability perspectives. Ethnoentomological studies conducted across different regions of Assam have documented nearly 23–32 species of edible and medicinal insects traditionally utilized by the Bodos. Commonly consumed species include Lethocerus indicus, Samia ricini, Oecophylla smaragdina, Apis indica, termites, crickets, grasshoppers, beetle larvae, and wasp larvae. These insects are important sources of proteins, essential amino acids, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, thereby contributing significantly to household nutrition and food security in rural communities.

Insects also hold an important place in Bodo ethnomedicine. Honey, ants, silkworm pupae, termites, and wasp larvae are traditionally used in the treatment of cough, asthma, fever, wounds, digestive disorders, arthritis, and physical weakness. Scientific investigations increasingly support the medicinal value of insect-derived products because of their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beyond their nutritional and medicinal importance, insects contribute significantly to pollination, sericulture, apiculture, nutrient cycling, sustainable livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation. They are also closely associated with Bodo cultural traditions, folk beliefs, oral knowledge systems, and ecological practices. However, rapid urbanization, modernization, pesticide use, habitat degradation, climate change, and declining interest among younger generations are gradually threatening both insect diversity and traditional entomological knowledge. The review therefore highlights the urgent need for scientific documentation, biodiversity conservation, and preservation of indigenous knowledge systems related to insects.