Evaluation of the life cycle, behavior, and nutritional value of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) on varied diets

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) is increasingly used in sustainable waste management and alternative protein production. Its larvae efficiently convert organic waste into nutrient-rich biomass suitable for animal feed and other applications. While globally studied, localized investigations are essential to understand environmental and dietary influences on colony establishment and development.

This study explored wild BSF populations in Tallahassee, Florida, their lab colony establishment, and the effects of dietary composition and fatty acid treatments on larval development and oviposition. Wild BSFs were collected from four sites—urban farm, urban forest, mixed farm, and recycling center—using banana, rice bran, and water-based attractants. Larvae were reared on control, carbohydrate-, protein-, and lipid-biased diets, and evaluated for survival, development, and biomass quality. Nutritional composition (proximate, amino acids, fatty acids, and elements) was analyzed. Oviposition behavior was assessed using tetradecanoic acid treatments.

Humidity emerged as the key environmental factor influencing larval abundance, with mixed and urban farms yielding the highest collections. Carbohydrate and balanced (regular) diets promoted the greatest larval survival and growth, whereas protein- and lipid-biased diets resulted in higher mortality. Nutritional analyses confirmed the benefits of balanced macronutrients on biomass quality. Fatty acid treatments reduced oviposition, indicating a concentration-dependent deterrent effect.

These results highlight BSF adaptability in Florida’s environment and emphasize the importance of humidity and diet optimization for successful rearing. The study also provides new insights into BSF oviposition ecology, supporting improved large-scale production and organic waste valorization strategies.