Waxworm genetics project

Citizen science opportunity

Request a sample kit to return

Help to discover plastic-eating microbes

While a pest of honey beehives, the larvae of wax moths (waxworms) have been shown to be able to digest plastic

We have been testing whether their ability to digest plastic is because of beneficial microbes in their salivary glands and maybe their guts

We aim to sample waxworms across the state to see if there is any variation in their plastic-eating capabilities

Please complete this gForm to request a sampling kit, that will include tubes of isopropyl alcohol (for sample preservation), sampling instructions, and a return shipping address.

More information, please email Drs. Claire Gordy or David R. Tarpy

Wax Worm Identification

Waxworms look rather similar to small hive beetle larvae! Some key differences are that small hive beetle larvae tend to be smaller than wax worms and slimy (left picture). Waxworms are larger and leave a silk trail (right picture). Waxworms differ in size so some younger worms may appear smaller. You can also look at the comb around the larvae. Comb with wax worms will often have visible tunnels of silk, cocoons, and disintegrated sections.