Packard.] 
EDIBLE INSECTS. 
125 
smoking them. The bodies of these butterflies abound in 
an oil with the taste of nuts ; and when first eaten produce 
violent vomitings, and other debilitating effects ; but these 
go off after a few days and the natives then thrive and 
fatten exceedingly on this diet, for which they 
have to contend with a black crow, which is also 
attracted by the Bugongs in great numbers, and 
which they despatch with their clubs, and use as 
food” (Kirby). 
Among beetles the grubs of the gigantic palm 
weevil are roasted and eaten by natives in the 
tropics, and the larva of the large Prionus (much 
like the one here figured, Fig. 88) is “eaten at 
Surinam, in America, and in the West Indies, 
both by whites and blacks, who empty, wash and 
roast them, and find them delicious. Mr. Hall 
informs me, that in Jamaica this grub is called 
Mcccauco , and is in request at the principal tables. 
A similar insect is dressed at Mauritius under 
the name of Moutac , which the whites as well as 
negroes eat greedily,” and Mr. Kirby, from whom I have 
quoted, thinks, with Dr. Darwin, that the grub of the com¬ 
mon cockchafer might be added to our entremets. Who will 
set the example on this side of the 
Atlantic of eating the common white 
grub, or young of the May beetle (Fig. 
89), so destructive to our strawberry 
beds? 
The Cicada or harvest fly, to which 
Anacreon inscribes an ode, was eaten 
by the Greeks. Aristotle says that the 
pupae are most delicious, and after they 
May Beetle, grub. change to the winged state the males at 
first have the best flavor, while the females are better on 
account of the eggs. “Athenaeus also and Aristophanes 
29 
Fig. 88. 
Prionus. 
