Serbian scientists turn to mealworms to tackle plastic waste . Researchers based in Belgrade are exploring the use of mealworms to break down polystyrene, a plastic commonly found in packaging, insulation, and food containers. . Larisa Ilijin, principal research fellow at the Institute for Biology, said the larvae of the yellow mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) can digest plastics after being “trained” to consume them. Bacteria in their guts convert the polystyrene into carbon dioxide and water