Alphitobius diaperinus in Germany: a relative of the Kenyan speciesUdo Schmidt / Wikimedia Commons
A team from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya, found that mealworms of the beetle Alphitobius sp. digest polystyrene, a type of plastic commonly known as Styrofoam. To validate their findings, the researchers fed polystyrene, bran, or a combination of the two to larvae for one month. The survival rate of the group fed a mixed diet was higher than the others, indicating the importance of a balanced diet in allowing the insects to optimally consume and degrade the plastic. Mealworms on the polystyrene and bran diet broke down up to 12% of the total polystyrene and their guts contained higher levels of the bacteria Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, which are capable of breaking down complex molecules. Other beetles have previously been shown to be capable of eating plastic, but this is the first species identified in Africa. In its adult form, which grows to 6 millimeters in length, Alphitobius sp. feeds on straw, bird droppings, feathers, eggs, and carrion (Scientific Reports, September 12; The Conversation, November 10).
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