Comparative Analysis of Biodamage to Various Types of Polyethylene by Galleria mellonella (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) Larvae

Abstract—A comparative analysis of the ability of G. mellonella larvae to wreak biodamage on polyethylene of various types was carried out. Fifteen polyethylene (PE) samples of three types differing in their characteristics were studied: type 1 (PE-1) was a package for food products (Petrothene LR 7340), type 2 (PE-2) was an AIRplus air package for nonfood goods (Hostalen GF 4750), and type 3 (PE-3) was a household package for purchases (NPE 953). The eating rate of these types of polyethylene was up to 1.078 mg larva–1 day–1 (by weight) and up to 61.8 mm2 larva–1 day–1 (by square). The largest number of perforations formed was observed in the PE-1 sample—0.857 units larva–1 day–1. Although PE-1 was preferred in this experiment, the greater wax moth larvae ate all PE types. The majority of larvae in the control and experimental groups were active without stimulation, but some larvae showed activity after stimulation. No processes of melanization of the external integument of G. mellonella larvae were observed in any of the groups. The results of survival rates, mobility, weight gain, and melanization processes indicate no negative effects on the health of larvae when eating polyethylene. The use of samples with various characteristics made it possible to assess more widely the ability of the greater wax moth larvae to wreak biodamage on polyethylene wastes.