Axayacatl (insect)

Axayacatl [ɑʃɑˈjɑkɑt͡ɬ] and its plural, āxaxayacatl [ɑːʃɑʃɑˈjɑkɑt͡ɬ] (the plural form is not commonly used in daily Nahuatl) are the two common names of pre-Hispanic origin used in Mexico to refer to species of aquatic insects in the family Corixidae, the eggs of which, ahuauhtli ([aˈwawt͡ɬi]) (in Spanish ahuautle), deposited abundantly on rushes (grass-like plants in the Juncaceae family) and flags (species of Iris plant) in lakes and ponds, are collected and sold as a sort of Mexican caviar, as part of Aztec cuisine.