Witchetty Grub vs Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Witchetty Grub | Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Endoxyla leucomochla | Brennania belkini |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Cossidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm | 1-1.5 cm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Oceania | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Witchetty Grub
The larva of a cossid moth and the most important insect food of Australian Aboriginal desert peoples. Rich in protein and fat, traditionally eaten raw or lightly cooked.
Did You Know?
Witchetty grubs have been a staple food of Aboriginal Australians for over 40,000 years — raw, they taste like almonds; cooked, like scrambled eggs with a crispy skin.
Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly
A rare horse fly known only from the El Segundo sand dunes in Los Angeles County. Larvae develop in the sand and adults are seldom encountered.
Did You Know?
Most of the El Segundo dunes were destroyed to build Los Angeles International Airport.