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Larvae of Zophobas atratus, Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus all have been found to consume expanded polystyrene foam. [9] Zophobas atratus breaks down polystyrene through a two-stage process: first by mechanically shredding the plastic into smaller pieces through chewing, which exposes pieces to oxygen atoms, and then by using bacterial gut enzymes to depolymerize the pieces.
These superworms can turn plastic into a meal – and they could hold a possible solution to plastic recycling in the future. Skip to main content. News. 24/7 Help. For premium support please call
Superworms should not be confused with darkling beetle mealworms sprayed with juvenile hormone. [6] Studies have found that in the wild the larvae sometimes live in bat guano, and they tend to cannibalize the pupae of their own species. [7] Researchers have discovered that the larvae can subsist on a diet solely of polystyrene (Styrofoam). [8]
Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), a species commonly used as animal feed, can consume polyethylene and polystyrene. [5] [9] [10] Its congener T. obscurus can also consume polystyrene, [19] as can superworm (Zophobas morio) and red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) from different genera in the same family. [20] [13] A waxworm
#7 Scientists In Singapore Discovered Superworms That Can Digest Plastic Thanks To Their Gut Bacteria. ... Eating Well. 24 easy high-fiber dinners for better blood sugar. Food. Fox News.
Hung Vu for The University of QueenslandPlastic is choking our environment. About 400 million tons of plastic waste is thrown out every year with between 75 to 199 million tons floating in oceans ...
In 2016, it was also reported that superworms (Zophobas morio) may eat expanded polystyrene (EPS). [30] A group of high school students in Ateneo de Manila University found that compared to Tenebrio molitor larvae, Zophobas morio larvae may consume greater amounts of EPS over longer periods of time.
Are there risks to eating edible worms and insects? As with any food, there’s always risk involved. Like with animal livestock, insects can harbor disease-causing pathogens, including E. coli ...