Mopane worm sellers in a South African market in Thohoyandou claim the lack of rain to be attributable for the smaller than normal supply of the insects. Mpumalanga, South Africa. "Mopane" refers to the mopane tree, which the caterpillar eats. Dried mopane worms have three times the protein content of beef and can be stored for many months. (Man Eating Bugs page 127) .