Hunting scorpion larvae for a snack.

(Baonghean.vn) - The wriggling sugarcane worms have suddenly become a popular snack. During times of scarcity, they are sought after by highland diners for 1,000-2,000 VND each. These are the larvae of a species of scorpion about the size of a thumb.

Sugarcane worms usually hide under the sugarcane stalks. After harvesting, these villagers have to use hoes to dig them out.

In the early days of spring, I had the opportunity to visit the Thung Coong sugarcane growing area in Chi Khe commune, Con Cuong district (Nghe An province). The sugarcane harvest had begun before the Lunar New Year, leaving behind barren land with only sugarcane stalks. This is where mountain men hunt for sugarcane worms to prepare as a snack for lunch or dinner.

After work, Kha Van Nui, a resident of Trung Dinh village, Chi Khe commune (Con Cuong district), joins his group of friends in digging for sugarcane worms in the field near their watchtower. These worms, about the size of a finger, have recently become a favorite snack for the young men working in the fields.

These finger-sized larvae are a threat to many sugarcane fields in Chi Khe commune, Con Cuong district.

The worms, still wriggling in the hands of the "hunter," are dug up. A short while later, they are brought back, gutted, washed, stuffed with onions, herbs, and spices, and then grilled over hot coals. About 20 minutes later, these seemingly fearsome worms become a delicious snack. Crispy grilled sugarcane worms are a favorite snack among the farmers in the Thung Coong sugarcane growing region. They pop them into their mouths, chew them vigorously, and find them very tasty.

No one seemed afraid of the larva that would develop into a scorpion.

At 40 years old, Vi Van Tuong has spent 25 years working in the fields. The shack has become the true home of this single man. Tuong said: "Sugarcane pests have only appeared in the last four years, while the sugarcane growing area has been around for 16 years."

In no time at all, the worms were cleaned, stuffed with herbs and spices, and grilled over charcoal.

Lo Van Trung, another "hunter" of sugarcane worms, said: Although called "worms," ​​they are actually the larvae of a type of scorpion as large as a thumb. Sugarcane worms appear in large numbers in late autumn. By the following summer, they will develop into scorpions. During their larval stage, sugarcane becomes their food source. They usually cause damage at night. During the day, the worms dig burrows and hide right under the base of the sugarcane plants.

About 20 minutes later, the sugarcane worms were roasted until cooked.

Knowing the characteristics of this pest, the "hunters" choose withered or dead sugarcane stalks to dig up. With just a few strokes of the hoe, the caterpillar is revealed. They can only crawl slowly and are easily caught.

These larvae have become a popular snack because they are fatty and rich in oil.

Processed sugarcane worms have become a favorite snack for the local men.

According to Kha Van Nui, the most experienced in the sugarcane worm hunting group, two years ago was the peak time for sugarcane worms. Some days, this 24-year-old villager would dig up 10kg of worms. Previously, some local diners were quite fond of these plump, fatty worms. During times of scarcity, they were sought after at prices ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 VND per worm.

Huu Vi