The larvae of Galleria mellonella can eat plastic (Polyethylene)

It's an interesting fact. I would include the fact because of it's scientific importance, and the relative newness of the discovery, 2015, and the ongoing research to reduce plastic waste. Here's what I wrote in the comment section of my own submitted photo of an adult:


The larvae of Galleria mellonella typically eat wax, such as the wax found in the honeycombs of bee nests. It was discovered sometime in 2015, when a beekeeper removed some of the larvae from her beehive, and put them in a plastic bag and set it aside. The next day she found small holes in the bags in the vicinity of the larvae.

Subsequent study has shown that the polyethylene of the plastic bags is broken down with ethylene glycol (the active ingredient in Anti-freeze) as a by product. There is hope that this may lead to ways to break down plastic garbage. See:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/wax-worms-eat-plastic-polyethylene-trash-pollution-cleanup/


I'm not suggesting my post should be used verbatim, just that it is interesting and species related research that is particularly relevant as a reminder that plants and insects have intrinsic value, and unique capabilities that are sure to continue to reward closer study of them.