Liverpool Museum's Natural History Centre is serving up the crunchy creatures, which include water beetles, crickets, locusts and grubs.

Some of the roasted insects have even been covered with chocolate to make them more appetising.

But animal rights' activists claim that the unusual menu is a "trashy gimmick".

'Wholesome and nutritious'

Mike Graham, curatorial manager at the museum, said: "These insects have been bred for eating and are wholesome and nutritious.

"People think nothing about eating prawns and shrimps, so why not insects?

"In some cultures many people get much of their nourishment from these tiny creatures."

The museum's aim is to introduce people to cultural differences.

Andy Tyler, a director at Animal Aid, said: "This sort of thing just shows a lack of respect for life.

"It sends out the message that insects are fair game."

Visitors can get their first taste of the insects on Thursday afternoon.