Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the contrasting attitudes towards cicadas between residents of Shanghai and Shandong, with Shanghai residents expressing disdain for the insects while Shandong residents celebrate them as a delicacy and cultural tradition [2][4][48]. Group 1: Cicada Culture in Shandong - Shandong people actively seek out cicadas, known as "zhiliao monkeys," engaging in organized family efforts to catch them, often spending entire nights searching [5][10][12]. - The culinary practices surrounding cicadas in Shandong are diverse, with common methods including frying, stir-frying, and barbecuing, showcasing the region's unique approach to insect cuisine [18][21]. - The price of cicadas can exceed that of fresh meat, with quality specimens selling for up to 50 to 100 yuan per jin (approximately 0.5 kg) [23]. Group 2: Broader Insect Consumption in Shandong - Shandong is characterized as a hidden "insect-eating province," with a variety of insects consumed, including grasshoppers, silkworms, and scorpions, forming a unique culinary tradition [8][29]. - The concept of "insect eight pieces" has emerged, categorizing eight commonly consumed insects in Shandong, reflecting a rich cultural heritage of insect consumption [26]. - In addition to land insects, Shandong's coastal areas also feature a variety of edible marine worms, further expanding the region's insect-based culinary offerings [39][46]. Group 3: Social and Cultural Significance - The act of catching cicadas serves not only as a culinary pursuit but also as a social activity, fostering family bonding and community engagement [15][48]. - The tradition of eating insects in Shandong is deeply rooted in history, with references found in ancient texts, indicating a long-standing cultural acceptance of insect consumption [17]. - The integration of both land and sea insects into Shandong cuisine illustrates the region's adaptability and resourcefulness in utilizing available food sources [47].