As the summer uninvited guest, the lovebug (Cotinis nitida), appears in large numbers in urban areas, causing inconvenience to citizens, a YouTuber has emerged showcasing various types of dishes made with lovebugs.
On the 3rd, a video titled 'Let’s eliminate the lovebug and taste it' was uploaded to the YouTube channel 'Hunter Pond,' which has 1.56 million subscribers.
Hunter Pond is a YouTuber known for collecting and cooking creatures. He previously gained attention by posting videos of catching the invasive species nutria using traps and nets and cooking them.
In the video that day, Hunter Pond climbed to Gyeonggi Mountain in Incheon, known as a lovebug hotspot. The video captured scenes of lovebugs and carcasses covering various facilities in black.
He said, 'We came a bit late, but there are still this many,' showing lovebugs clinging to rocks, trees, and benches. Hunter Pond returned home with about 2,000 lovebugs stuffed in a bag.
Afterward, Hunter Pond showcased various forms of lovebug dishes. He stir-fried lovebugs in olive oil, adding pepper and salt. He also attempted dishes such as steaming and making pancakes.
Hunter Pond said, 'According to a YouTuber who tried eating lovebugs first, they are said to be very nutty,' and ate a lovebug. Regarding the taste, he remarked, 'It is indeed very nutty,' adding, 'There is a unique smell, but it’s bearable. A bitter aroma rises.' However, he also appeared to gag during the consumption.
Previously, another YouTuber running the channel 'Lee Chung-geun' visited Gyeonggi Mountain in Incheon and showcased an eating broadcast featuring lovebugs. He made a burger with lovebugs, expressing that 'it’s incredibly nutty but doesn’t have a particularly appealing flavor,' and provided feedback. That video surpassed 300,000 views within a day of being posted.