Zophobas morio: The Superworm

Zophobas morio, commonly known as the superworm or kingworm in its larval stage, is a species of darkling beetle often bred as food for reptiles and other insectivorous animals due to its high protein content. These worms are widely farmed and used as feeders, but their value may go beyond just being a pet food source.

In 2016, students from Ateneo de Manila University made a surprising discovery: Zophobas morio larvae were observed eating polystyrene foam—commonly known as Styrofoam, a type of plastic that is notoriously difficult to decompose. This sparked scientific interest in the worms' ability to digest plastic waste.

Building on that discovery, a team led by Australian microbiologist Christian Rinke conducted further research and found that bacteria in the worms' guts were breaking down the plastic. These microbes helped convert the polystyrene into smaller, digestible molecules, a process that made the worms capable of surviving on a diet of plastic alone—at least for a short time.

However, researchers noticed that worms fed only on polystyrene had stunted growth and higher mortality rates, suggesting that while they could survive on plastic, it was not a healthy or sustainable diet. This raised ethical and practical concerns about using live worms as plastic processors.

Currently, scientists are trying to isolate the enzymes and microbes responsible for the plastic degradation process. If successful, this could lead to lab-based solutions for breaking down polystyrene without relying on the worms themselves. These enzymes could be used in waste management systems, offering a biological method for tackling plastic pollution.

While Zophobas morio larvae are not a complete answer to the global plastic crisis, their unique digestive abilities offer a glimpse into how nature could inspire new waste solutions. Their gut bacteria might be the key to developing eco-friendly technologies that break down persistent plastics, moving us closer to a cleaner planet.