Giant Water Bug


Whole Giant Water Bug [Cá cuóng (Viet); Maeng da, Malaeng da (Thai); {Alukap (Ilokano); Obus (Visayan)} (Philippines); Giant toe biter; Lethocerus indicus of family Belostomatidae]

This large insect is usually between 2.6 and 3.1 inches long, but reported to grow to as long as 5 inches. It is native to South and Southeast Asia and southern China. It is a strong flier and swimmer, and a fierce predator, preying on frogs, lizards, turtles, and other vertebrates. It kills them with an injection of powerful toxins.

These toxins liquify the victim's flesh so the bug can suck it out of their skin. Bites on humans are extremely painful, but humans are not liquified. These bugs are popular food items in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines. They are so popular in Thailand, large quantities are imported from surrounding countries. Farming is difficult because of their food requirements, and they can be cannibalistic if over crowded.   Photo by Viethavvh at Vietnamese Wikipedia, distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike v3.0 Unported attribution required.

More on Insects, Arachnids & Myriapods.


Eating:

  In Southeast Asia, female Giant Water Bugs are boiled or roasted, often seasoned with lemon grass, lime juice, herbs and salt. They are served whole. They have a taste described as like shrimp or scallops, with overtones of black liquorice.
  1. Buy cooked Giant Water bugs.
  2. Pull off the inedible wings and legs.
  3. Break off the head end, just in front of the wings.
  4. Suck out the contents of the main body.
  5. Pick out the contents of the head end and eat it.
  6. Discard the shell.

Products:

  Males of the species are roasted and pounded well, then used for Nam Phrik Maeng da, a sauce of dried red chilis, onion, garlic, and the bugs. Shrimp Paste, Fish Sauce and Tamarind may also appear in this sauce.

It is the pheromones (sex attractants) of the males that provide a unique taste and aroma. For convenience, extracts of the male insect are also used in Thailand and Vietnam. Because the genuine Essence has become very expensive, artificial Water Bug Essence is now available.

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