Huhu Bug (Prionoplus reticularis)

The Huhu Bug (Prionoplus reticularis) is the largest native beetle in NZ, reaching up to 5cm from nose to tail. I read that the adults live only about a fortnight, and do not eat – although my acquaintance with this specimen lasted only a few minutes, hence cannot confirm this. However, I found the fellow quite a capable flyer as it took off from my desk to land on the window, and later when I released it into the wild. Lovely pattern on the wing covers.

The larvae (huhu grubs) of this beetle live in decaying wood and are considered a delicacy, raw or cooked. You have to visit the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival for that. I have no personal experience of these meals, but this picture on Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand should convince you.

“Self” is a bit obliterated by the afternoon sun and reflections – keeping you focused on the main subject.