Witchetty grub
A witchetty grub (also spelled witchety grub or witjuti grub) is the large, white larva of a moth. It is a name used in Australia. Normally, it refers to the larvae of the cossid moth Endoxyla leucomochla, found in central Australia. These moths eat the roots of the witchetty bush (a plant named after the grubs).[1] It is also sometimes used to refer to the larvae of other cossid moths, as well as those of ghost moths (Hepialidae). It is used mainly when the larvae are being thought of as food. Because it contains a lot of protein, the grub is the most important insect food of the desert. It was a staple in the diets of nomadic Aboriginal people living in the outback.[2]
The name witchetty (or witjuti) comes from the Adnyamathanha language. The name comes from the words wityu (meaning "hooked stick") and vartu (meaning "grub").
Witchetty Grub Media
Hunting for witchetty grubs near Yuendumu, Northern Territory
References
- ↑ Marshall Cavendish Corporation (2003). Insects and Spiders of the World. Marshall Cavendish. p. 625. ISBN 0-7614-7344-0.
- ↑ Isaacs, Jennifer (2002). Bushfood:Aboriginal Food and Herbal Medicine. Frenchs Forest, New South Wales: New Holland Publishers. pp. 190–192. ISBN 9781864368161.
Other websites
- Witchetty Grub on Australian Insects