Escamol

Escamoles  eskamo'les  (Nahuatl: azcamolli, from azcatl (ant) and molli (puree)) are the edible larvae and pupae of ants of the species Liometopum apiculatum and L. occidentale var. luctuosum. They are harvested from the roots of the Agave tequilana (tequila) or Agave americana (maguey—mezcal) plants in Mexico. They are most commonly consumed in Mexico City and surrounding areas. Escamoles have been consumed in Mexico since the age of the Aztecs. They taste buttery and nutty, with a texture akin to that of cottage cheese.