KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — They're tastier than they look. Edible insects in the form of wriggling maggots or hairy caterpillars are both delicacy and staple in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a central African nation of nearly 120 million people.

In markets in the capital Kinshasa, tubs full of writhing white maggots line the alleyways, and women traders fry caterpillars, spiced with chili, over charcoal fires. "The more you eat caterpillars, the more you'll have a long life," says Trésor Kisanbu, clutching a small plastic bag of fried caterpillars, in Kinshasa's largest market, Marché Liberté. "It strengthens your muscles and your eyes, it's really organic," he adds.

Villagers harvest fresh caterpillars and maggots from rotting tree trunks in forested areas in the

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