A    The witchetty grub is a term used in Australia for the large, white, wood-eating larvae of several moths. Particularly it applies to the larvae of the cossid moth, which feeds on the roots of the witchetty bush (after which the grubs are named) that is found in central 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.

B     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 out 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. Traditionally, it is rare for people to dig for them. Witchetty grubs feature as artistic designs in many Aboriginal paintings. When held, as a defense mechanism, the grubs will secrete a brown liquid.

C     These grubs live about 60 centimetres below ground and feed upon the roots of red gum tree. They can also be found under black wattle trees, and are attributed as the reason why wattles die within 10 to 15 years. The roots of certain shrubs are another food source of the grubs.