Maguey worm
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| Aegiale hesperiaris |
Maguey worms (Aegiale hesperiaris), in Spanish Gusanos del maguey, are two varieties of edible caterpillars that infest maguey and Agave tequilana plants. [1] [2]
The red maguey worms are known as chilocuiles, chinicuiles or tecoles, and are the larvae of the moth Hypopta agavis. These infest the core and roots of the maguey plant, often in a glutenous mass. Along with agave snout weevil larvae, red maguey worms are one of the types of gusanos found in bottles of mezcal liquor from the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
The white maguey worms, known as meocuiles, are caterpillars of a butterfly commonly named "tequila giant skipper", Aegiale hesperiaris. [3]
They are found usually in regions of Central Mexico, on the leaves of Agave tequilana, Family Agavaceae plants, and not on cacti, as is often erroneously reported. Aegiale hesperiaris butterflies deposit their eggs at the heart of the leaves of agaves. The larvae then eat the flesh of the agave stems and roots, sometimes boring out the agave completely.
When fully mature, these caterpillars appear fleshy-red and can measure up to 65 mm. They are considered a delicacy by Mexican peasants and are highly nutritious. One 100-gram serving contains over 650 calories, or the equivalent of two plates of rice. They are also considered delicious deep fried or braised, seasoned with a spicy sauce and served in a tortilla.
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