Witchetty grub


The witchetty grub 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 that is widespread throughout Northern Territory and found in parts of Western Australia and South Australia.
The term may also apply to larvae of other cossid moths, ghost moths, and longhorn beetles. 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.

Terminology

The Arabana term for the grub is mako witjuti ; mako means grub, and witjuti refers to the shrub, not the grub itself. Similarly, Ngalea peoples referred to the grub as "mako wardaruka", meaning grubs of the wardaruka shrub. The Pitjantjatjara name is "maku".
It has been suggested that the word "witchetty" comes from Adynyamathanha wityu, "hooked stick", and vartu, "grub". Traditionally, it is rare for people to dig for them.

Description

The different larvae are said to taste similar, probably because they have similar wood-eating habits. 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, and when cooked, the skin becomes crisp like roast chicken, while the inside becomes light yellow, like a fried egg.
These grubs live in trees. They can also be found in black wattle trees, and are attributed as the reason why wattles die within 10 to 15 years. The roots of the Acacia kempeana shrub are another source of the grubs.
When held, as a defence mechanism, the grubs will secrete a brown liquid.

Cultural significance

Witchetty grubs feature as Dreamings in many Aboriginal paintings.