In particular, it applies to the larvae of the cossid moth Endoxyla leucomochla, which feeds on the roots of the witchetty bush (after which the grubs are named) that is widespread throughout the Northern Territory and also typically found in parts of Western Australia and South Australia,[2] although it is also found elsewhere throughout Australia.

The grub is the most important insect food of the desert and has historically been a staple in the diets of Aboriginal Australians.

Edible either raw or lightly cooked in hot ashes, they are sought as a high-protein food by Aboriginal Australians.

The raw witchetty grub tastes similar to almonds;[7] however, when cooked, the skin becomes crisp like roast chicken, while the inside becomes light yellow, like a fried egg, and the taste has been anecdotally described variously as like scrambled egg, chicken, or a "prawn with peanut sauce".

[11] When held, as a defence mechanism, the grubs will secrete a brown liquid.