Black Soldier Fly

Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) are not a pest to humans, as they do not spread disease, and they cannot sting, nor bite. Egg-bearing female Black soldier flies are attracted to rotting manure, as well as to rotten food. Their larva may contain up to 42% of protein. In the tropics, direct sunlight exposure in the morning optimally stimulates emergence, mating and egg laying, whereas normally indirect sunlight is preferred.[1] Optimal humidity may be 70% [2], and temperature 24 to 37.5°C [3] Grubs are stimulated to crawl off, pupate and hatch by heat.

Black fly larva may be parasitized by the wasp Dirhinus giffardii (prevalent in West Africa), which may greatly impact the production of Black fly larva.[4]

Once the larvae developed through six instars, they enter the prepupal stage. In this stage they cease to eat, and their mouth parts are transformed into an appendage that they will use for climbing, so that they can migrate to a humid and sheltered area for pupation. In grub composting bins, holes or ramps allow the prepupae to be harvested by climbing out of the composter, and dropping into a collection area.