Download Kamoro use of Insects

KAMORO USE OF INSECTS
Kamoro hors d’oeuvres: grubs, worms and other delicious snacks.
(Remember: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder)
Kal Muller, June 2000
Sago grubs are well known to the various ethnic groups living among the mangroves on New Guinea and
the Kamoro are no exception. Right from the beginning of my research I was confronted with some live,
wiggling grubs, perhaps as a test of my manhood or rather adaptability. Fortunately, a life-time of
experience among traditional cultures has inured me to the way anything looks: the taste is the thing on
which I judge exotic food. (If you can eat - chew and swallow that is - fresh peyote, you can eat anything.)
My Kamoro hosts explained to me that the KO, the sago grub, has a business end which bites. This is a
smooth, shiny dark-colored head equipped with a pincer-like appendage. That’s how the little critter, about
four centimeters long, chews its way through the sago pith and adulthood as a beetle. I could see for
myself the dozen or so grubs nestled in a chunk of sago pith, wiggling and displaying their pincers.
Someone showed me the eating technique: pick and hold by the head, bite it off and eat the rest. No
problem. The body is fatty, a bit chewy and pretty much devoid of taste. A bit like butter. I must admit to
preferring the grubs roasted, but simply because of the texture: crisp and crunchy.
Proofs of manhood and adaptability done and over, I wanted to identify the animal in scientific terms. I
thought that with the popularity of the sago grubs in New Guinea, there would be reams of literature. No
such luck. Even a monograph on New Guinea beetles makes no mention of our little friend. It was
relatively easy to identify a somewhat similar beetle which are specially fond of (and cause plenty of
damage to) coconut trees: the palm weevil Rhynchophorus cruentatus: hefty-bodied, shiny, six centimeter
long beetle with a long curved horn projecting upwards. But nothing on the sago grub of such widespread
use at least among the Asmat and the Kamoro.
It took my buddy and collaborator David Pickell, who solves just about any problem I have, to identify the
grub. But even he needed a sample. So I collected some of the beasts, pickled them in some preserving
solution given to me by the Freeport environmental lab and sent the critters (I’m fairly sure this was highly
illegal) to David. At the Berkeley library, he found a multi-volume description of all Australian weevils.
Fortunately for us, our specific friend also lives in Aussie land (at the ragged edge of its distribution range)
although probably no one there, except perhaps the Aborigines who eat any and everything, consumes
them. Et voilà: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus; family Rhynchophoridae, a large weevil. But wait: it’s been
identified and classified since 1790, by someone named Oliver. The genus name comes from the Greek
meaning ‘snout-bearing’ while the species name is derived from Latin, meaning rust-colored. It seems that
our beetle has variable coloration and several forms have been identified. The adult of the species sports
elbowed antennae tipped with orange clubs. It is called AMAPIKO by the Kamoro.
Much later, after several scientific institutions best left unnamed misidentified our grub, I found in the
wonderful PROSEA series (Volume #9, Plants Yielding Non-seed Carbohydrates) that someone in this
wide universe did know something about our grub. The volume mentions the weevil of the genus
Rhynchophorus, weighing three to eight grams, with three to seven per cent protein, ten to thirty per cent
fat and the rest water. The common name given is Red-striped palm weevil, puzzling to me as I have never
seen any red-striped models - but it seems that there are several color variations. The species-level
identification given is Rhynchophorus schack (=R. ferrugineus, variety schack), the so-called sago worms.
Good work, congratulations.
Beetles were one of the earliest groups of insects to evolve and those species which were found to be
involved with palms are often members of primitive beetle families, in particular Curculionidae (weevils)
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and Nitidulidae (nitidulid beetles). Our sago grub is known as a weevil, a term which applies to all the
members of the Rhynchophora/Curculionidae group. Weevils are distinguished from all other beetles
(whence the different name) by the head prolonged into a distinct snout or beak which is curved
downwards with the jaws at the tip. The antennae are clubbed and elbowed. Most of the weevils (rhymes
with evils) are awful pests, especially in the larval stage, to nuts, fruits and grain of living plants. People
should try eating them and develop and appreciation, as do the Kamoro. Put weevil larvae on menus,
prepared French-style, with a fine vintage (white) wine.
From the NG Beetles monograph: Family Curculionidae (weevils, bark beetles). This group is often
referred to as the largest family of animals in the world; weevils are associated with plants, majority with
woody plants; many are wood-borers or root-feeders in the larval stage; some have long lives as adults and
are the most hardy insects, quite difficult to kill. The most obvious characteristic of many weevils is the
long snout or rostrum. Larvae are usually white or pale creamy, with a brown head and usually lacking
legs; they are a major agricultural pests in New Guinea.
Slimy-looking, but fine tasting: tambelo
(Note: this is really a bivalve mollusk, but we have included it here as it looks like a long, thick worm. The
animal is better covered in the chapter on mollusks.)
Aside from the sago grub, and eaten far more often in the coastal villages, we have the tambelo (the
designation used in West Papua), a long, slimy, wormy looking creature which lives in fallen mangrove
trees. Unlike the sago grub, this customer has an excellent taste, just like a fine, sweet oyster. Indeed, it is a
bivalve, contrary to appearances. There are several species of tambelo, all belonging to the Teredinidae
Family. This family includes a close relative, the dreadfully destructive shipworms, not good to eat as far
as we know. The longest, slimiest and best tasting of the tambelo is usually called KO and scientifically
Bactronophorus thoracites. The larger, mature specimens average some 30 cm in length. This top-of-theline tambelo comes from two species of mangrove trees, Rhizophora stylosa (PAKO in Kamoro) and R.
apiculata (PAE). All tambelo are called KO (or KO’O or just plain O) in Kamoro except the freshwater
species, named TITIRI. This beast is thinner and does not taste nearly as good as the KO. We found it
interesting that when we asked among the neighboring Asmat about tambelo, its use was not very
widespread. One informant told us that tambelo use was introduced to the Asmat by the Kamoro teachers
and other Catholic mission workers who first arrived in the mid 1950s. Be that as it may, the tambelo is not
an insect, the subject of this section of our study.
Other grubs for future taste-tests
We thought that with the sago grub safely in the id bag, we could forget about insect use among the
Kamoro. And we did. It was late in the day - towards the very end of our field research - that we learned
about a far wider use of insects than we had suspected. [In the resource=poor highlands, many insects are
eaten as dietary supplement.] Our informants in Atuka told us that the Kamoro eat grasshoppers as well as
using them for fishing bait. They also told us about two animals, aside from the well known sago grubs,
which they consume fairly regularly. The sago grubs, KO or KO’O thrive in the pith of the AMETA,
Metroxylon sagu which are usually felled before the tree ‘flowers’, pushing up an inflorescence from its
crown. If the tree is allowed to flower, its pith becomes a sweet, edible (but not preservable) substance. In
this form of the pith we find a different kind of grub called KAURI thrives and can be eaten. This animal is
said to be much longer than the ‘normal’ sago grub, perhaps 10 to 12 cm., whitish in color, narrow with a
curved shape: ((.
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In Atuka, we were also given the information that, aside from the tambelo whose mollusk status is clear enough,
there were other edible species of dead-tree dwelling, similar-looking beasts. We did not have the opportunity to see
these, let alone eat them or to collect samples for identification. That will be the lucky fate of some future researcher
Here is a start anyone interested. To begin with, when describing the following animals, used the
Indonesian word ‘ulat’ which can mean caterpillar, maggot or larva.
1. The BAMAKO is a type of grub consumed, 12 to 14 cm. long and living in two species of trees:
WIRIKU (Hopea nodosa) and KIMOKO (Pimeleodendron pinnatum).
2. The BAKAMU grub lives in the MANARO tree (Hopea novoguinensis); it tastes like sago grubs and its
color is said to be white and brown
3. MAKAMO: a ‘worm’ from the breadfruit tree, pohon sukun, OPAKO, Artocarpus communis or A.
altilis; it is said to be toe-sized, 10 to 12 cm. long.
4. OTAI is said to be a kind of worm (cacat) which breaks apart when pulled; it is bitter tasting and found
in the tree UMU, Xylocarpus moluccensis.
Appendix A: Useless, but with redeeming social values
Of no practical use, but making for a pleasant night-time show, there are synchronous fireflies called
NANIMAMOKO which display on the trees TEEKO (Avicennia officinalis) and IWAE (Hisbicus
tiliaceous), with no season for the performances.
These are beetles, also called lightning bugs, of the Family Lampyridae. They have the unique ability to
flash their lights on and off: other luminescent insects glow continuously. For the technically minded, the
light in these beetles is produced by low temperature oxidation brought on by special enzymes. Now the
mystery is gone.
Also of no practical use to the Kamoro, a plethora of insects abound in the area. Some are quite pretty and,
like the birdwing butterfly, spectacular. We have a dozen plus insect photos awaiting ids by Peter
Ebsworth (on vacation as we write this, so will complete when he - and we, the royal we, that is - return, in
early August....)
On an unpleasant note, we must mention a surfeit of common house flies (especially when trying to eat
fish out in the sticks) and mosquitoes, including four species of malaria-carrying Anopheles (will get these
species from Peter Ebsworth).
Appendix B: A perspective on the Hatfindo insect biodiversity study
Highly qualified entomologists came (and quickly went) to sample various bugs in our Project area as part
of the tremendous biodiversity study undertaken as part of the 300K Amdal. Great material for specialists,
this study has turned our area into the most well researched section of the whole island of New Guinea,
biologically speaking. The problem is that for the layman, lists of Latin names are pretty meaningless.
Below, we have tried to flesh out the two volumes (#10 on selected land-based insects and #11 on aquatic
insects) into something a bit more meaningful to the (admittedly few) interested laymen.
The species selected for study were picked because they were representative of the insect life and gave a
good idea as to the various eco-systems. Also because the scientists were familiar with the critters from
their work elsewhere. And because they were relatively easy to capture for a close look.
1. CICADAS: Homoptera: Family: Tibicinidae
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These are the nosiest beasts in the tropical rain forest, setting up a cacophony of sound which overpowers
even a whining outboard engine. Sometimes they do their number in unison, sometimes each individual
male on its own, loudly proclaiming his sexual powers. The cicadas are one of best known groups in New
Guinea as they come to lights under right conditions. We got swarmed by them on several occasions when
staying in the rain forest. (See photo, with Peter Ebsworth). As with many other animals, they come
around uninvited and bother humans; when humans want them for study, they coyly stay away. So it has
been proposed to use their ‘songs’ to monitor cicada populations, as currently done with frogs and birds. I
don’t know how big cicadas grow around here but in Borneo they can attain be huge enough perhaps 10 to
12 cm. to scare a human (me). Having one fly into you full tilt is most unpleasant, aside from just plain
hurting.
2. FLAT PLANTHOOPERS: Homoptera: Family Flatidae. Our researchers call these guys one of the best
known groups in New Guinea after the cicadas, as they readily come to lights. (We might have a photo...).
Around there, we’ve seen them and they resemble a leaf with a head. In the mountains, they grow to huge
size.
3. SCARABAEDIDAE DUNG BEETLES: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae
(quote about God being inordinately found of beetles, that’s why He created so many of them....). While
attractive enough in appearance, these beetles’ way to make a living is none too appealing (except to
ecologists and their parents). They are among best known beetles due to their importance in decomposition
of herbivore dung and the interest this holds for the biological control of dung, as well as community
ecology research. Over 80% of New Guinea’s dung beetles are endemic.
4. BUTTERFLIES: Lepidoptera, various families. These pretty insects can be highly informative in
assessing the biological diversity of an area. During the Hatfindo study, some 2000 specimen were
collected, mostly from marginal secondary forest in the lowlands. The specimen included the female of the
most common and widespread of birdwings, Troides (Ornithoptera) priamus, and a pair of these was
sighted flying across road at Kwamki Lama. These butterflies are endangered due to the high demand for
their pupae (the next stage in metamorphosis after larva) for farming and general collecting. The birdwings
of New Guinea are (recently re-classified) as all of genus Troides, eight of them, with six occurring or
expected in the Project Area.
The Herperiidae are a family of butterflies common called skippers. Their antennae clubbed and usually
hooked at the tip and widely separated at the base; they are stout-bodied and strong fliers. This is a very
large group, with many species.
*Some amazing (well, interesting) butterfly/moth facts:
1. Both butterflies and moths own a proboscis (an elephant has one too), usually in the form of a coiled
tube!
2. How to tell them apart: butterflies’ antennae are long, slender and always knobbed at the end! (no such
luck for moths: plain antennae are their sad fate)
3. The larvae of both are called caterpillars and have salivary glands modified into silk glands, but the
butterfly pupae have the pretty name of chrysalids (one: chrychalis; plural: chrysalids) and no such luck for
the moths; this is perhaps because moth pupae seem sculptured and sometimes sport bright colors while
the moths’ offspring start as brownish and smooth. By the way, metamorphosis goes: egg > larva > pupa >
adult. Don’t ask why: it’s too complicated.
4. Pretty or not, the larva of many butterflies and moths alike are awful pests of both cultivated plants as
well as grain and flour.
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5. The way to really tell the members of the butterfly/moth family apart is essentially by wing venation.
But forget it: most venation is obscured by scales, requiring bleaching to see properly. Stick to the wing
patterns and colors. It may not be as accurate but it’s a hell of a lot more fun.
My own take on all this is that butterflies are pretty, both at rest and when flying. Moths tend to be hairy,
fly erratically into you but do, sometimes, display nice wing patterns.
Forgive us for what we think is an interesting aside: have you ever seen a bottle of mescal, a tequila-like,
cactus-based booze from Mexico, with a ‘worm’ at the bottom? There is close connection with the family
listed above. The giant skippers (Family Megathymidae) sport a wingspan of 40 mm or more; their larvae
bores into the stems and roots of yucca and related plants. This larvae is edible and considered a delicacy
in Mexico: it is usually cooked in deep fat, canned and sold as ‘gusanos de maguey’. Or put into bottles of
mescal as proof of authenticity. We have eaten these in Mexico, fried, and were delicious. The hangover
from the mescal was awesome.
5. MOTHS: Lepidoptera, especially the Geometridae and Crambidae families. - During the collecting
period, as the weather was extremely dry (El Niño times), there were too few samples for meaningful
analysis. But worthy of note, almost all the moths collected from the mine site were undescribed species,
new to science.
6. CHARCIDAE WASPS: Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae (nothing to say on these....)
The volume on aquatic insects covered three main kinds, with three other ones tagging along. ‘These
groups chosen due to the consistency of their representation across the range of habitats sampled, variation
of species assemblages in response to altitude and habitat type, and relatively well investigated taxonomy,
which allowed confidence that identification could be made at least at the genus level which reduced the
potential number of undescribed species to be dealt with.’
1. Order Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies
These insects sprout two pairs of elongate, membranous, many-veined wings; wings are at rest are usually
held outstretched (Anisoptera) or together above body (Zygoptera). Remember: at rest damsels hold their
wings vertically while the dragons extend them horizontally. You can often see them all flying in tandem,
the male holding female by back of head or the prothorax with the appendages at the end of his abdomen;
all stages are predaceous, feeding on mosquitoes, midges and other small insects, helping to keep them
under control. The principal separating character is wing venation, so forget even trying.
Anisoptera: dragonflies: relatively stout-bodied
Zygoptera: damselflies - abdomen very slender
2. Order Hemiptera: called just plain ‘bugs’ Some are predaceous, thus valuable in keeping pest species
under control.
Family Gerridae: water striders
Family Belostomatidae: giant water bugs: these can inflict painful bites on humans
Family Nepidae: waterscorpions: predaceous on other insects: painful bite
Family Velidae: Ripple bugs - small water striders
3. Coleoptera: Family Gyrinoidea: the whirligig beetles. The common name comes from their habit of
swimming in groups in an odd, gyrating fashion. They differs from nearly all other beetles by having two
pairs of eyes: one set for looking out for enemy and prey above the water and the other pair for below the
water surface. They are predaceous. Some adults, when handled, give off a smell like pineapples.
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Rhinoceros beetles and coconut damage????: KOMIHI = Oryctes centaurus??
Family Dytiscidae: diving beetles, highly predacious, including feeding on fish! The larvae (called water
tigers) have large sickle-like jaws and suck the body contents of the prey through channels in the jaws. In
PNG, and especially in the Sepik area, some of the larger of these carnivores water beetles are carefully
caught in small nets and valued as a delicacy.
Order Ephemeroptera: mayflies - abdomen with 2 or 3 hairlike tails: long, slender, gracefully curved
Order Trichoptera: caddisflies: move backwards more often, and faster, than forward
Appendix: Lorentz insects, from WWF
Butterflies
John Matabang (WWF Irian) from Agats to Mimika, in lowland swamp area, 50m. collects two species of
birdwings, according to literature not under 1000m: Ornithoptera chimaera and O. goliath.
In Jila, a completely white type of Morphotaenans sp. (Amathusidae) can be frequently observed.
Densities are relatively high. This completely white form is known only from the mountain areas of PNG,
it is not known from any other location in Irian Jaya other than Jila.
Group or subgroup///Sub-species///Area of occurrence
WM = western mountain area of the park; EM = Eastern mountain area of the park; LA = Lower areas of
the park, south of the range; ? = doubt about exact location.
Chrysomelanea group: Delias ladas levis (LA) and D. ladas wamenaenis (LA)
Geraldina group; Sagessa sub-group: D. geraldina spp. (WM); D. microsticha microstiga (WM, EM); D.
riyeli yofona (WM, EM); D. hypomelas rubrostiata (WM); D. hypomelas lieftincke (EM); D. argentata
argentata (EM);
Facelis sub-group: D. facelis amungme (WM); D. facelis ibelana (EM)
Aroae-spheres sub-group: D. yabenis (EM); D. balimensis (EM); D. approximata rectimargo (WM, EM)
Eichhorni sub-group: D. heliophora germana (EM); D. antara (EM); D. carstensziana (WM); D.
Carstensziana f. alcicornis (EM); D. leucobalia distincta (WM); D. leucobalia ericetorum (EM); D. catisa
wisseliana (?); D. catisa aurostriga (EM); D. toxopei morosa (WM); D. toxopei toxopei (EM)
Bornemanni group: D. nais denigrata (WM); D. nais holophaea (EM); D. zebra zebra (EM); D. klossi
klossi (WM); and D. klossi chrysanthemum (EM)
Mesoblema sub-group: D. arabuana arabuana (WM, EM); D. flavistriga flavistriga (EM); D. callista
callipulchra (WM); D. callista callipareia (EM); D. luctosa gottsi (WM); D. luctosa archiboldi (EM)
Weiski group: D. hapalina spp. Nov. ? (WM); D. hapalina amoena (EM)
Weiski sub-group: D. leucias leucias (WM, EM); D. rosamontana rosamontana (EM)
Kummeri group: D. ligata weylandensis (WM); D. ligata interpolata (EM); D. alepa spp. ? (WM); D.
alepa orthobasis EM)
Mairae sub-group: D. walshae walshae (EM); D. inexpectata ssp. nov.? (WM); D. inexpectata (WM).
Mira sub-group: D. hiemalis flabella new species (?) (WM) D. autumnalis autumnalis (EM)
Niepelti group: D. meeki hypochrysis (WM, EM); D. meeki hypoxantha (WM, EM)
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Belisima group: D. aruna irma (LA);
Hyparete group: D. mysis lara (LA)
(Note from WWF: preliminary species list; main source: Henk van Masticht)
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