Axayacatl (insect)

Axayacatl [ɑʃɑˈjɑkɑt͡ɬ] or āxaxayacatl [ɑːʃɑʃɑˈjɑkɑt͡ɬ] are the two common names of pre-Hispanic origin used in Mexico to refer to species of aquatic insects in the family Corixidae, the eggs of which, deposited abundantly on rushes (grass-like plants in the Juncaceae family) and flags (species of Iris plant) in lakes and ponds, are collected and sold as a sort of caviar. In addition to eating the insect, the Aztecs also ate the eggs ahuauhtli [aˈwawt͡ɬi] as part of Aztec cuisine.