Chapter 1: Meet Superworm

I don't go by the name Superworm of my own accord; that title was bestowed upon me by management. They enjoy assigning grand titles to tasks nobody else wants. As the larva of the darkling beetle, Zophobas morio, I come from a lineage that supposedly defeated Xerxes on the historic fields of Thermopylae. (At least, that's the story.) When researchers in Australia discovered my ability to thrive solely on polystyrene—commonly known as Styrofoam—they celebrated and dubbed me Superworm.

The scientists have ambitious plans for me: they envision sending me into landfills to devour the heaps of waste that take centuries to break down. Bon appétit! But has anyone ever paused to ask Superworm if this is how I want to spend my days, feasting on your discarded packing materials?

Is there ever a moment when anyone considers my perspective? Humans are always conducting experiments at my expense to rectify their errors. It's never, "Hey, look at these fascinating studies we've done to help worms express themselves artistically." Instead, it's more like, "Here, worm, consume this foam container and let's see if it poses a threat to your existence."

There are so many delectable items I'd prefer to indulge in beyond Styrofoam. Imagine a culinary adventure!

"Waiter, I'll start with the Styrofoam served with caramelized onion dip, followed by sautéed Styrofoam au gratin. For the main course, I’ll opt for the Styrofoam paired with Steelhead Trout Roe, and to finish, how about a Chocolate Raspberry Styrofoam Lava Cake? A glass of your finest Styrofoam port, please!"

That's what I would express if anyone bothered to inquire about my preferences.

But what about my duty to save the environment? Surely, that's paramount, right?

Before you unleash the Guilt Gun, let me clarify: I do find value in being beneficial. The thought of making a significant impact for future generations is appealing. It's gratifying to know that my gut enzymes hold promise. Should scientists manage to replicate these enzymes and mitigate our planet's waste crisis, I would