DNA Reveals ‘Mezcal Worms’ Are a Single Moth Species, Facing Population Pressure
oaxaca, Mexico – For generations, the larvae found nestled in bottles of mezcal have been a celebrated – and sometimes startling – part of the drinking experience. But a new genetic analysis reveals these iconic “mezcal worms” aren’t a variety of species as previously thought, but consistently identified as Comadia redtenbacheri, a single moth species. The findings,published March 8,2023,in PeerJ,also highlight growing concerns about the sustainability of wild populations due to increasing demand.
The research, led by Akito Y. Kawahara, Jose I.Martinez, and colleagues, stemmed from a broader investigation into the identity of insect larvae consumed in Mexico, including those popularly associated with tequila. Despite the name “tequila worms,” researchers found no evidence of the larvae in tequila bottles, confirming they are almost exclusively found in mezcal. Genetic sequencing of 18 larvae from different mezcal brands definitively identified them all as C. redtenbacheri, underscoring the species’ cultural and economic importance as one of the most widely eaten edible insects in Mexico.
Historically, adding larvae to Mexican beverages and foods – including salts, garnishes, and powders – has been linked to perceived health benefits and beliefs about aphrodisiac properties. This practice is driving increased demand, placing significant pressure on wild larval populations. In response,researchers are now focused on developing methods for cultivating C. redtenbacheri in captivity to alleviate this pressure and ensure the future of this mezcal tradition.
The study is titled “Mezcal worm in a bottle: DNA evidence suggests a single moth species” (DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14948).
