Insect consumption, or entomophagy, is not a recent fad but rather a practice dating back thousands of years. In pre-Columbian times, indigenous communities across Latin America, from Mexico to Brazil, regularly incorporated insects into their diet. Insects were a reliable food source, easy to find, and rich in essential nutrients. The use of insects in Latino cuisine varies across the region, and it's closely tied to cultural identity. For example, in Mexico, insects like grasshoppers (chapulines), maguey worms (gusanos de maguey), and ant eggs (escamoles) are regional delicacies with deep cultural roots. In Brazil, Queen ants (Içá or Tanajura) are collected, fried, and eaten as a seasonal snack. The custom of insect consumption is also part of religious and festive events.