Gandhi Puk (Coridious napalensis), also known by various local names in different dialects such as sewei in Nocte, tari in Adi, or gandhi puk in Arunachal Pradesh, is a well-known insect in the northeastern parts of India, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh mostly in eastern Arunachal rivers. It is commonly found along riverbanks, hidden inside stones, during the winter months from late November to late February.
These insects emerge in winter as they lay their eggs on leaves during the summer, and it takes several months for the eggs to develop into adults. In their early stages, they are green in color. Once they mature and their wings grow stronger, they leave the leaves and move toward riverbanks, seeking warm places to protect themselves from the cold. They typically hide under stones to stay safe during the winter.
Gandhi Puk is highly valued for making chutney due to its unique taste, which is slightly spicy with a hint of bitterness. It can be consumed raw, cooked, or roasted. While there are several varieties of the insect, the most common type is black and small in size. However, care must be taken while handling them, as the fluid secreted from their wings can cause a burning sensation if it comes into contact with the eyes, and in severe cases, it may lead to blindness.
Local people eagerly catch and consume Gandhi Puk during its season, and its popularity has also made it a lucrative product in the market. Selling for as much as ₹2000 per kilogram, it has become a valuable source of income for the locals in addition to being a significant part of their diet.