The process to get the worm is actually curious. Chontacuros are worms that grow fat and big after they are deposited at the very heart of the chonta tree, by a black beetle that brings on its wings the eggs that will soon become larvae inside the tree. The chonta tree lasts at least one or two years to grow up until reaching heights of 6 to 9 meters. It has distinguishing spines all along its bark, making virtually impossible the task of harvesting its fruit. For this reason, most chonta trees are torn down. Once the local harvesters have taken the fruit from the tree, they cut it and extract a kind of palmetto that comes used in some typical Amazon dishes. This is the time when the black beetle comes and deposits its eggs in the torn-down remains of the tree. The eggs turn into larvae, and grow until they are thick and have a size of XX centimeters approximately. Local people take them two months later from the tree to the place where they will be consumed: they can be eaten raw, fried or as skewers, which is the tastiest way. People who have tried them say they are not repulsive, but it will exclusively depend on how each one feels about eating them.