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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
Zophobas atratus is a species of darkling beetle, whose larvae are known by the common name superworm, kingworm, barley worm, morio worm or simply Zophobas.Superworms are common in the reptile pet industry as food, along with giant mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae treated with juvenile hormone [citation needed]).
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]
For example, mealworms fed only on plastic show very little weight gain, unlike mealworms fed on a normal diet of bran. [5] This is due to plastic lacking water and nutrients needed to grow. [ 5 ] Plastic-fed mealworms can still derive energy from their diet, so they do not lose weight like starved mealworms do.
A final note: Make sure you keep your bin covered to keep out light and critters who want to eat the worm food and the worms. If you use a plastic storage bin, drill a dozen or so holes into the ...
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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 ...