If you’ve ever thought your spaghetti looked…alive, you might not be imagining things. Meet the Spaghetti Weevil (Pastaeformis hoaxii), a rare and alarmingly noodly insect rumored to infest pasta bowls across southern Italy and confused pantries worldwide. Or so they say…
What’s a Spaghetti Weevil?
According to highly questionable sources, the Spaghetti Weevil is a distant cousin of the grain weevil—but instead of rice or flour, this bug has developed a taste for cooked spaghetti. Its long, noodly body and flexible pasta-like legs allow it to blend in perfectly with the dish, going undetected until the very last slurp.
How Does It Survive Boiling Water?
Well…it doesn’t. That’s why it’s said to lay its eggs after the pasta has cooled. The larvae, reportedly resembling tiny meatballs with legs, feed on marinara and Parmesan until they pupate into full-grown spaghetti worms.
Fun Fact: Almost Believable
Entomologists have never officially documented the Spaghetti Weevil. In fact, the only place it seems to appear is in photos shared on April 1st or in the nightmares of overly imaginative chefs. Still, the fear of pasta-based pests lives on in urban legend and meme culture.
Where to Spot Them
Most sightings occur on April Fools’ Day, usually in kitchens, Italian restaurants, and prank blogs like this one. If you think you’ve found one, take a deep breath….and maybe check the calendar.
Why They’re Cool
The Spaghetti Weevil is 100% fake, 110% fabulous, and a perfect reminder that even entomology can have a sense of humor. Happy April Fools’ Day!