Villagers harvested local delicacy cicada larvae during cold weather in northern Thailand.

Residents used shovels to dig up the ground near a paddy field where cicadas have been nesting in Phayao province on February 18.

They were after the prized delicacy of a native species of cicada that broods larvae in the area only once a year.

Each larvae could be sold for up to two Baht each - around six cents in American money - and are cooked into a variety of dishes using local spices.

Local Chamnaan Uttamakruang, 46, said: 'The secret to finding the nest is to find the hole. Usually these holes are near trees that grow by paddy fields.'

Cicadas are often found in temperate to tropical climates and create distinct clicking noises to attract a mate.