What is the name of the taco filled with ant larvae?
Answer
tacos de escamoles
Answer
tacos de escamoles
The taco filled with ant larvae is called tacos de escamoles. Escamoles are the edible larvae and pupae of ants, especially Liometopum apiculatum and related species, and are often described as “Mexican caviar” or “insect caviar.”
Escamoles have been eaten in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times. The ants build underground nests, often near maguey plants, and collecting the larvae is difficult because the colonies are defensive and seasonal. Their limited availability helps explain why escamoles are considered a prized and expensive ingredient.
They are commonly sautéed with butter, garlic, epazote, or onion, then served in tacos, omelets, mixiotes, or other Mexican dishes. Their flavor is frequently described as buttery and nutty, with a soft texture. Tacos de jumiles contain edible stinkbugs, tacos de chapulines contain grasshoppers, and tacos de gusanos generally refer to tacos made with edible insect larvae such as maguey worms.
Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026