The rainy season has come and with it, the emergence of chicatanas (also known as, tzicatanas) — a pre hispanic insect delicacy in this corner of the world. My first experience with these giant “flying ants” was at the Oaxaca airport five or six years ago, where I was greeted with, what can only be characterized as, an infestation. They were flying through the terminal, crawling on the floor, and being chased by toddlers to teens, as adults watched in amusement. Since then, I’ve come to know and even love these little critters — especially in salsas and mole.
Two years ago, I awoke to my own infestation on the terrace. However, yesterday morning only a lone female chicatana put in an appearance. Darn, just when I’d actually considered gathering them up like these children and attempting to make chicatana salsa!
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View From Casita Colibrí 
I made Chicatana salsa once and even ate it. Had no resemblance to the flying creature above, which was a good thing. I avoid it on menus, for some reason. But I do love to crunch on chapulines (seasoned, fried grasshoppers). Smile.
Give the mole a try sometime. If you can get over what it’s made from, I’ll bet you would like it. 😉
Oaxacana foodies everywhere ! Would not a combo of Chicatana and Chapaulines salsas , actually better tacos make a great hit ?
No doubt!!!
Hi Shannon, I just chanced on your blog while researching Oaxaca and really enjoy it. I was wondering if you could tell me how easy it is to bring a small dog to stay with me in Oaxaca for a few months . I speak as avenged Spanish and have stayed in Mexico – Cuernavaca 20 years ago . Would you recommend bringing my pet ? Thanks .
Hmmm… I really don’t know. If you are on Facebook, you should ask the group, Clandestine Oaxaca. You need to be recommended for membership, so if you want to join email me — CybrarianDesigns [at] aol [dot] com — and I will recommend you.
Do these actually add flavor or just crunchiness? Must be a seasonal treat!
They have some flavor, but don’t ask me to describe it. 😉