Witchetty grub
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The witchetty grub (also spelled witchety grub or witjuti grub<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>) is a term used in Australia for the large, white, wood-eating larvae of several moths. In particular, it applies to the larvae of the cossid moth Endoxyla leucomochla, which feeds on the roots of the witchetty bush (after which the grubs are named) that is widespread throughout the Northern Territory and also typically found in parts of Western Australia and South Australia,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> although it is also found elsewhere throughout Australia.
The term can also apply to larvae of other cossid moths, ghost moths (Hepialidae), and longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae). The term is used mainly when the larvae are being considered as food. The grub is the most important insect food of the desert and has historically been a staple in the diets of Aboriginal Australians.<ref name="bushfood">Template:Cite book</ref>
TerminologyEdit
The Arabana term for the grub is {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (with emphasis on initial syllables); {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} means grub, and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} refers to the shrub, not the grub itself.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Similarly, Ngalea peoples called the insect "mako wardaruka", meaning grubs of the wardaruka (Acacia ligulata) shrub.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The Pitjantjatjara name is "maku".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It has been suggested that the word "witchetty" comes from the Adynyamathanha word {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, meaning "hooked stick", and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, meaning "grub".<ref name="bushfood"/>
DescriptionEdit
The different larvae are said to taste similar. Edible either raw or lightly cooked in hot ashes, they are sought as a high-protein food by Aboriginal Australians. The raw witchetty grub tastes similar to almonds;<ref name="ii">Template:Cite journal</ref> however, when cooked, the skin becomes crisp like roast chicken, while the inside becomes light yellow, like a fried egg, and the taste has been anecdotally described variously as like scrambled egg, chicken, or a "prawn with peanut sauce".<ref name="bushfood"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
These grubs live in trees. They can also be found in black wattle trees, and are considered to be the reason why wattles die within 10 to 15 years. The roots of the Acacia kempeana shrub are another source of the grubs.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
When held, as a defence mechanism, the grubs will secrete a brown liquid.<ref name="bushfood"/>
Cultural significanceEdit
Witchetty grubs feature as Dreamings in many Aboriginal paintings.<ref name="bushfood"/>
Witchetty grubs have also been imitated in confectionary and were a common Australian lolly.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
See alsoEdit
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
- Template:Wiktionary-inline
- Witchetty Grub on Australian Insects