How to successfully raise black soldier flies

This article is provided by the Livestock Research Institute.

black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

The **black soldier fly**, also known as *Hermetia illucens*, is an insect from the family Stratiomyidae in the order Diptera. It is an emerging insect used for feed, with its larvae capable of converting animal manure, decaying organic matter like carrion, and plant waste into high-quality protein. Additionally, black soldier flies can be used to process food waste. They are highly resilient and capable of outcompeting housefly larvae for food, effectively driving them away.

How to successfully raise black soldier flies?

Black soldier flies typically lay their eggs in dry crevices, so it's important to keep the collected eggs as dry as possible to avoid affecting their hatching process.

1.How to care for black soldier fly eggs properly?

Generally, start by placing some black soldier fly food, such as kitchen scraps or bean curd residue, in a plastic container. Cover the food with a layer of plastic wrap to separate it from excess moisture. Then, place the black soldier fly eggs on top of the plastic wrap. In summer, the eggs typically hatch in about 2 to 3 days. In autumn, winter, or early spring, the eggs may take about 4 to 5 days to hatch.

2.How to care for black soldier fly larvae?

Newly hatched larvae are very small, approximately 1 millimeter long and translucent. After feeding, they start to accumulate nutrients, and their color changes to a yellowish hue. Black soldier fly larvae go through six instar stages, and as they progress through these stages, their food intake increases. They can grow to a weight of up to 0.5 grams.

3.How to care for black soldier fly pupae?

Mature larvae, before entering the pupal stage, will leave their food substrate. This behavior is due to their preference for dry, shaded crevices for pupation and to avoid being eaten by their siblings after they pupate. The pupal stage lasts approximately 15 days.

4.How to ensure successful mating and egg-laying of black soldier flies?

After emerging from the pupal stage, adult black soldier flies have a very short lifespan. They primarily consume water and exudates from leaves. After mating, female flies lay eggs only once during their lifetime, with a total of approximately 500 to 900 eggs. To support successful breeding, the environment for adult flies should be spacious, ideally with dimensions around 4x2x2 meters or 3x3x2 meters. The breeding chamber should include hanging plants and egg-laying trays. It's important to maintain the appropriate humidity in the chamber. Place food sources like kitchen scraps or bean dregs in the egg-laying trays to attract females for egg deposition.