native name for the grub-likelarva of one or more species of longicorn beetles. The nativesdig it out of the roots of shrubs, decaying timber and earth,in which it lives, and eat it with relish. It is sometimeseven roasted and eaten by white children.
1894. R. Lydekker, `Marsupialia,' p. 191:
«Dr. Stirling writes . . . [The marsupial mole] was fed onthe `witchetty' (a kind of grub) . . . two or three smallgrubs, or a single large one, being given daily.»