That strange “worm” at the bottom of some mezcal bottles has finally been identified, and the answer overturns decades of guesses.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - For decades, the mezcal worm, commonly known as the "tequila worm," has been placed inside bottles of mezcal as a marketing strategy to enhance the flavor and color of the drink.

The University of Florida researchers recently discovered that “tequila worms” are, in fact, moth larvae. The “worms” are placed inside bottles of mezcal to enhance the color and flavor of the alcohol ...

The little grub is actually found in mezcal, an alcohol also made from the agave plant, but distilled differently than tequila. Francisco Galarza via Unsplash For some, it’s a reward. For others, it’s ...

A new study published in PeerJ Life & Environment looked to identify the species of larva found in bottles of Mezcal. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave. Are people ...

University of Florida researchers recently discovered that "tequila worms" are, in fact, moth larvae. The "worms" are placed inside bottles of mezcal to enhance the color and flavor of the alcohol.

For some, it’s a reward. For others, it’s a punishment. The “tequila worm” divides alcohol connoisseurs as the wiggly little prize at the bottom of a bottle. What started as a marketing trend for ...

A selection of bottles of fine mezcal from a range of Mexican producers are displayed for sale at Benito Juarez market in Oaxaca, Mexico on February 23, 2017. (Credit: OMAR TORRES/AFP via Getty Images ...