Edible-insect
Guides
Atta mexicana
Chicatana Leafcutter Ant, Chicatana, Hormiga Podadora de Hoja, Mochomo, Nucú, Nacasmá, Cocosh
Atta mexicana is a leaf-cutting ant and advanced attine fungus-grower native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species cultivates the basidiomycete fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus as its primary food source, cutting and collecting leaf fragments to serve as fungal substrate. Colonies are large and complex, with sophisticated caste specialization including queens (~30 mm), workers, and soldiers (~18 mm). The species is culturally significant in Mexico as a traditional food source (chicatana) harvested during nuptial flights, and is also recognized as an agricultural pest in some contexts.
Comadia redtenbacheri
agave red worm, chinicuil, gusano rojo del maguey
Comadia redtenbacheri is a moth in the family Cossidae, commonly known as the agave red worm or chinicuil. It is a specialist phytophagous species whose larvae bore into Agave plants, particularly the rhizomes. The species has significant cultural and economic importance in Mexico as a traditional food source. Adults are small moths with forewings 12–14 mm in males and 13–16 mm in females. The species has a long, non-uniform life cycle that can exceed one year.
Cyclocephala borealis
Northern Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala borealis is a scarab beetle native to North America and a significant pest of turfgrass and cereal crops. Adults are small, dull yellow-brown beetles with darker facial markings and hairy wing covers. The species has a one-year life cycle with adults emerging in mid-June. Unlike many scarab beetles, adults do not feed; all damage is caused by root-feeding larvae (white grubs). The species is recognized as edible to humans.
Lethocerus
giant water bugs, toe biters, electric light bugs
Lethocerus is a genus of large predatory aquatic true bugs in the family Belostomatidae. Members are among the largest true bugs, with some species exceeding 12 cm in length. The genus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the fore femur and parasternites. Unlike other giant water bugs, females do not deposit eggs on males' backs; instead, eggs are laid on emergent vegetation above the waterline and guarded by males. The genus shows greatest diversity in the Americas, with limited representation in Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Pellaea stictica
Pellaea stictica is a species of stink bug (family Pentatomidae) distributed across temperate regions of the Western Hemisphere, including North America, South America, and the Caribbean. First described by Dallas in 1851, it has been documented as an edible insect in Mexico, where both adults and nymphs are consumed. Its range in the United States expanded notably in 2021 when it was first recorded in California, having previously been known only from Texas north of Mexico.
Prionus californicus
California root borer, California prionus
Prionus californicus is a large, sexually dimorphic longhorned beetle native to western North America. Adults emerge from soil in early summer and are active from June through August. Females are larger than males and produce a volatile sex pheromone to attract mates, while males possess more strongly serrated antennae. The species spends most of its life cycle underground as root-feeding larvae, making it a significant pest of orchards, vineyards, and other woody plants.
Tenebrio molitor
Yellow Mealworm Beetle, Mealworm Beetle, Yellow Mealworm
Tenebrio molitor, the yellow mealworm beetle, is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) whose larvae are widely known as mealworms. Adults measure 12–25 mm in length, significantly smaller than the related superworm beetle Zophobas morio. The species has been mass-produced since the 1950s for fish bait, pet food, and backyard bird feeding. In January 2021, the European Union approved yellow mealworms for human consumption, marking a milestone for the edible insect industry. Research continues on optimizing rearing methods, with eight-year selection programs demonstrating 75% increases in pupal size.