Featured Insect: Black Soldier Fly

The Black Soldier Fly is a fascinating insect known for its role in waste management and sustainable agriculture. The Black Soldier Fly is part of the Order Diptera, Family Stratiomyidae, Genus Hermetia, and Species Hermetia illucens. Its larvae are avid eaters, devouring organic waste and transforming it into compost rich in nutrients (Duzell 2019). They are also used as a source of protein for animal feed, making them a valuable resource in aquaculture and poultry farming. 

Adult Black Soldier Flies however are harmless and do not feed; their primary role is reproduction. They have a distinctive appearance, with a black body and metallic blue-green reflections on their thorax. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with the larval stage being the most impactful in terms of waste recycling (David 2022). Their eggs are tiny, cream-colored, and oval-shaped. They are usually laid in clusters near decomposing organic matter or in crevices of suitable substrates. Their larvae are segmented, flat, and oval-shaped with a pale, creamy color. They have chewing mouthparts and grow up to 15-20 mm in length. This is the stage when they voraciously consume organic waste. And in the pupal stage, the larvae darken and develop a hard, protective outer shell. They become immobile as they undergo metamorphosis into adult flies.

Black soldier flies can be found worldwide, except in Antarctica. They are native to tropical and warm temperate regions but have spread globally due to human activity. These flies thrive in various environments, including urban, rural, and forested areas (Pollinator 2024). They are often found near decomposing organic matter, such as compost, manure, or decaying plant material. Adults are commonly seen resting on walls, windows, or plants. The larvae are voracious feeders, consuming a wide range of organic waste, including food scraps, manure, and agricultural residues (Pollinator 2024). This makes them excellent decomposers and contributors to nutrient recycling. Adult black soldier flies, however, do not feed; they rely on energy reserves accumulated during the larval stage.

Something interesting about them is that their mating occurs in midair, typically during warm, sunny conditions (Julita et al. 2020). Females lay hundreds of eggs near decomposing organic matter, ensuring larvae have immediate access to food. Another thing that is very interesting is that their larvae often cluster together when feeding on organic matter, creating a cooperative environment that enhances decomposition. 

Here is a video that shows how fast they can get rid of waste!