Edible insects (and arachnids) - in pictures

Larvae of the misleadingly named mealworm. Known to infest bakeries and granaries when not being cooked up for adventurous diners Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Waxworm larvae, toasted weaver ants and crickets. Presentation is as important with insects as it might be with a trio of delicious puddings Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Waxworm larvae: sweet, full of nutrition, and available from your local bait shop Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Crickets, lovely crickets. About 2,400 varieties are available, including 'fried' Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Silkworm pupae. High in protein, calcium, nutrients, vitamins and minerals and other essential fatty acids. Low in taste Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Chocolate scorpions have a pleasingly familiar, wafer-like texture. And they're available at Fortnum & Mason's Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Locust salad. To make: 1. Get a regular salad. 2. Add locusts Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

A cricket. The Cambodians say they taste like popcorn. And, like popcorn, they also get stuck in your teeth Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

A close-up of a cricket. Finger food at its most entomophagous Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Waxworm larvae: has a natural sweetness, as the wax moth lays its eggs in beehives, where the growing larvae then feeds on wax and honey. Yummy Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Weaver ants. Available online seasoned with soy sauce and black pepper. Just £3.49 for 200 Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Now that really is cricket Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

A locust. Even the Old Testament says we should eat them Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

A chocolate scorpion. Made out of scorpion, and chocolate. In Beijing, they're sold to tourists on sticks, minus the chocolate Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

The Romans probably ate locusts. This picture demonstrates the likely technique Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian