Zophobas atratus
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Zophobas atratus, the giant mealworm beetle, is a species of darkling beetle, whose larvae are known by the common name superworm, kingworm, barley worm, and morio worm. Superworms are common in the r
Zophobas morio
Larva
Newly formed pupa
Pupa close to eclosion
Polystyrene
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Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from monomers of the aromatic hydrocarbon styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and brittle. By weight, it is
Zophobas atratus
…by handling, although the bite is not very painful. Larvae of Zophobas atratus, Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus all have been found to consume expanded polystyrene foam; they are examples of plastivores. Zophobas atratus breaks down polystyrene through a two-stage process: first by mechanically shredding the plastic…
Expanded polystyrene packaging
A polystyrene yogurt container
Bottom of a vacuum-formed cup; fine details such as the glass and fork food contact materials symbol and the resin identification code symbol are easily molded
Polystyrene is flammable, and releases large amounts of black smoke upon burning.