In a breakthrough for environmental science, researchers in Kenya have discovered a species of mealworm capable of consuming plastic, marking a major development in the global fight against plastic pollution. This insect, native to Africa, can degrade polystyrene—a material commonly used in food packaging and known for its resilience and environmental impact.

The Kenyan lesser mealworm, the larval form of the Alphitobius darkling beetle, can chew through polystyrene and hosts bacteria in its gut that help break down the material. The discovery was made by scientists from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, who have been studying the insects’ ability to manage plastic waste biologically—an alternative to costly chemical and thermal recycling methods that often produce pollutants.

While lesser mealworms are typically found in poultry farms, where warm temperatures and constant food supplies support their growth, they are thought to have originated in Africa and can now be found globally. Researchers believe this particular specimen may represent a unique sub-species within the Alphitobius genus, a theory they are actively exploring.

The team is also investigating the bacterial communities within the insects’ digestive systems, aiming to understand how these microbes support the plastic degradation process. With findings like this, the scientists hope to unlock new, environmentally-friendly solutions to the world’s plastic waste crisis.

Source:TheDotNews