Opinions about insects are often divided, ranging from fear to admiration. Some view them as pests and worthless creatures, while others recognize their crucial role in maintaining healthy and balanced ecosystems. It’s also important to mention experts who study insects and discover that they can provide multiple benefits. In fact, some of these tiny creatures can be extremely useful in solving certain environmental challenges that humanity faces. Boris Vasiljev from the Belinda Animals Company reveals how larvae impact the environment and contribute to ecology.
The larvae of the mealworm beetle, or Tenebrio molitor larvae (commonly known as mealworms), play a significant role in sustainable animal feed production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving the environment through plastic degradation and organic fertilizer production. They are naturally found in grain and mill product storage facilities and can often be found in household environments—such as flour.
These larvae utilize various plant-based wastes, such as silo waste, broken grains, and various animal feed leftovers on farms. Additionally, they consume green plant waste, such as fruits and vegetables unsuitable for sale or use, stale bread, and more. Their usefulness is also evident in their ability to concentrate proteins in their bodies while feeding on plant waste. Compared to cattle, which emit as much as 2,850 grams of greenhouse gases for every kilogram of body mass gained, larvae emit only one gram.
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As Vasiljev points out, cattle, whose meat meal is used in animal feed, emit 2,850 times more CO2 equivalent compared to larvae. Moreover, larvae feed on waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Mealworm larvae are rich in proteins (45–60 percent of dry mass), fats (30–45 percent of dry mass), as well as vitamins, omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, and fibers and minerals. This indicates that their nutritional composition is superior to that of other components of animal feed. Practically, protein meals from larvae could completely replace soybean meals and fish meals in poultry, pig, and fish feed.
In addition to being used in animal feed production, these creatures also find their place in agriculture for vegetable and fruit growers. During their cultivation, a type of manure is produced, known globally as FRASS. This includes larvae excrement, food residues, shed skins, and the remains of deceased individuals, which collectively represent high-quality organic microbiological fertilizers. It can be applied as pellets alone or with added mineral fertilizers in various formulations.
Speaking about Serbia, Vasiljev notes that the cultivation of Tenebrio larvae is still a topic discussed mainly in scientific circles. Their team is preparing to organize mass education and training for this cultivation, as insect protein is officially approved for animal feed in Serbia.
Prepared by Katarina Vuinac
The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT.
