Destruction of Polystyrene by Larvae of Ulomoides dermestoides (Chevrolat, 1878) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The larvae of the darkling beetle Ulomoides dermestoides are capable of destroying expanded polystyrene (EPS) during their feeding activity. The degree of destruction varied for EPS pieces of different size classes. For EPS pieces measuring 6 × 6, 3 × 3, or 1.5 × 1.5 cm, the mass loss rate was 44.94 ± 1.11, 51.34 ± 2.54, or 68.3 ± 3.16%, respectively. A negative correlation was observed between the size class of EPS pieces and their conversion rate. The rate of plastic degradation depended on the age stage of larval development. A significant decrease in the mass of the EPS was noted only after the 4th week of the experiment, when the larvae reached the 5th age. After the destruction process is complete, the oxidized EPS particles in the excrement correspond to the size class of microplastics (<250 µm). EPS had no toxic effect on larval survival.