CHIANG MAI, Feb 21 (TNA) – Thai villagers hunt for eggs
of a species of subterranean ants locally called ‘maeng mun’, a seasonal delicacy that can fetch up to
Bt2,000 per kilogram.
Digging soil and peering into the hole, villagers in Chiang
Mai’s San Sai district skillfully collected the edible nutrition-rich treat.
Found in many parts of the country, maeng mun nests are
difficult to locate and hunters need to have skills and patience.
Their pearly-white eggs are a favorite food of people in
northern Thailand in the months of February and March.
If they fail to find eggs, they can still catch adult ants
that can be deep-fried and eaten as snacks.
Food vendors at local markets have also offered dishes made
of maeng mun. (TNA)