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MEALWORM LARVAE

16th November, 2024

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Context:

Polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, is a plastic material that’s widely used in food, electronic and industrial packaging. It’s difficult to break down and therefore durable.

Details:

The guts of polystyrene-fed larvae were found to contain higher levels of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, bacteria that can adapt to various environments and break down a wide range of complex substances. Bacteria such as Kluyvera, Lactococcus, Citrobacter and Klebsiella were also particularly abundant and are known to produce enzymes capable of digesting synthetic plastics. 

Species

Lesser mealworm (larval form of the Alphitobius darkling beetle)

Larval Period

Lasts between 8 to 10 weeks

Habitat

Predominantly found in poultry rearing houses due to warm conditions and a constant food supply

Distribution

Believed to have originated in Africa but now found in many countries worldwide

Unique Ability

Capable of consuming polystyrene

Plastic Degradation

Gut bacteria in mealworms produce enzymes that break down complex polymers in plastic

About Gut bacteria:

Gut microbiota, gut microbiome, or gut flora are the microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, that live in the digestive tracts of animals. The gastrointestinal metagenome is the aggregate of all the genomes of the gut microbiota.

The gut microbiota has broad impacts, including effects on colonization, resistance to pathogens, maintaining the intestinal epithelium, metabolizing dietary and pharmaceutical compounds, controlling immune function, and even behavior through the gut–brain axis.

Source:

DOWNTOEARTH

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding mealworm larvae:

  1. Mealworm larvae are the larvae of the darkling beetle and are commonly used in sustainable food and feed applications.
  2. The larvae are high in protein and can be used as an alternative to traditional livestock in animal feed.
  3. Mealworm larvae are known for their ability to filter pollutants from water.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Mealworm larvae are indeed the larvae of the darkling beetle, and they are gaining popularity as a sustainable source of protein for both human consumption and animal feed.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Mealworms are not typically found in aquatic environments, nor are they known for filtering pollutants from water.

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