Published Paper Details:

This research is conducted on the ecology of mealworms and their habitats in Churu, Rajasthan, providing valuable insights into the species and their ecological significance in this region. Insects thrive in a wide variety of habitats, having developed specialised adaptations in feeding habits, behaviour, and other biological traits that enhance their diversity. They represent 73% of all animal species, making them the most dominant group of organisms on Earth. Even conservative estimates suggest that five to eight million insect species remain undiscovered. Among these, Coleoptera (beetles) are the most diverse, comprising about 38% of all insects and 10% of all animal species. Mealworm belongs to the coleoptera order which is the largest order of insects, consisting of the beetles and weevils. Mealworms are beneficial insects due to their high nutrient content, making them a valuable food source for pet food, protein-rich animal feed, and even human consumption. In addition, mealworms possess the remarkable ability to break down plastic waste, including polystyrene which is a synthetic polymer derived from the monomer styrene. So, these mealworms can digest polystyrene at a rate of approximately 34-39 mg per day