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Palm Weevil

Palms (Palmaceae)

West Malaysia

Entomophagy is the practice of eating insects and is common throughout non-Western nations across the world.

Thousands of ‘bug’ species are edible, and the palm weevil larvae (called palmworms) are among the tastiest. Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, they have a creamy texture when raw, and are said to taste like bacon when fried. Besides being a nutritious delicacy for indigenous communities, they also supplement farmers’ incomes and help during times of food shortages. There is great potential for farming insects as a source of protein, which can be a sustainable alternative to intensive animal farming.

Lily Weevil

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South Africa

Among the Zulu people -a Bantu ethnic group from Southern Africa- this weevil has several uses.

In traditional healing rituals they were said to remove pain and to cure convulsions. Several may be strung together with beads or tied at the throat to ‘eat away at illnesses’. Furthermore, red and black are colours��associated with healing among the Zulu.

They can also be used as an amulet against witchcraft. Although unconfirmed, this weevil is likely toxic. Its host plants are the Amaryllis, well known to be a poisonous flora. With its highly contrasting colours it has no observable predators, which probably led to its use as a protective charm. ��Naturally dotted objects like this weevil were also used in divination.��

Brazilian Diamond Weevil

Unknown

Brazil

The sparkling colours of this and several similar species make diamond weevils popular in local handicrafts, jewellery and insect collections. Even the scientific name of this very specimen,��Entimus splendidus, reminds people of its splendid beauty.

The shiny colours are not just for show; they serve an important function. They help hide the beetle in plain sight from predators like birds: “Wait a minute!” you might say. “Wouldn’t it become even more noticeable?” In the rainforests, sunlight is reflected off waxy leaf surfaces and water droplets. From a distance, the diffused reflection from the weevil’s shiny body, plus its dark base colour, makes it blend in perfectly with the jungle background.

Giant Pine Weevil

Araucaria��Pines

Australia

Australia’s largest weevil feeds on two types of coniferous trees which are native to the country and very important to Aboriginal people.

The Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) was used to make boomerangs and coolamons (carrying vessels), while its sap was used to glue axes to handles.

At Bunya feasts, thousands of Aboriginals would gather from hundreds of kilometres to celebrate around the Bunya Pines (Araucaria bidwillii), during seasons when their football-sized cones ripened and dropped onto the ground. The gatherings would include ceremonies, dispute settlements, marriage negotiations and trade activities. Adult weevils are also known to congregate in large numbers and feed on dying pines, while the larvae feed on the inner bark. In this way, both larvae and adults decompose the dying tree and recycle its nutrients back into the environment.