Despite a few articles on the subject, the hatchings were not a forgone conclusion. In a 2002 short communication(1) on rearing methods, the authors note that other researchers (Tingle, 1975) had failed to achieve multiple generations using collected wild eggs, and that other researchers had failed to achieve mating or egg hatching in a greenhouse environment.  Even more worrying, early reports from other researchers working “at elevation”: 1,435m/4,708ft (Cartago, Costa Rica) and 1,500m/4,921 ft (Dalat, Vietnam) were not good.  Too high an elevation was theorized as a detrimental factor.  Bogotá sits at an even higher elevation of 2,640m/8,661 ft.

Additionally, Bogotá’s weather is not conducive to Black Soldier Flies.  In its best months (Jan-March) its average highs are 19+°C/67°F.  Bogotá also lacks the direct sunlight that the 2002 communication noted, “was reported to encourage mating.”  In its best months, six hours of sunshine per day is the average.  In its worst months, about 3.8 hours is the average.

To overcome these obstacles, BioSystems Design designed its own mating facility.  A previous 1984 article(2) noted that larvae lay eggs mostly when temperatures are between 27.5-37.5°C (81.5-99.5°F).  Therefore, due to the temperature issues, BioSystems Design was forced to use a greenhouse environment that had caused other researchers problems.

After experimenting with a temperature and humidity control system for a number of weeks, we’re proud to report that the collected eggs from the greenhouse environment hatched in an incubation chamber.  Given the obstacles overcome, BioSystems Design is now confident in saying that the process can be replicated in a controlled environment anywhere.  Now, like cautious mothers we’re off to monitor our growing larvae and make sure they’re in the best conditions possible.

(1) Sheppard, D. Craig.  Jeffery K Tomberlin.  John A. Joyce.  Barbara C. Kiser.  Sonya M. Sumner.  “Rearing Methods for the Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).”  J. Med. Entomol. 39(4): 695-698 (2002)

(2) Booth, Donald C.  Craig Sheppard.  “Oviposition of the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): Eggs, Masses, Timing, and Site Characteristics.”  J. Environmental Entomology.  39(2) 421-423 (1984)

Links to the direct online texts quoted are posted at the bottom…of the page when available. Links to this page in appreciation of the work put in to compile the research are very much appreciated.

Optimum Temperatures

Optimum for Consumption: 35 C. (95 F) (1)

(Note) : Food consumption rates fall with decreasing temperature and effectively reach zero at 15 C (59 F). (1)

Optimum for Mating: “Adults typically mated and oviposited at temperatures of 24 C (75.2 F) up to 40 C (104 F) or more. Booth and Sheppard (1984) reported that 99.6% of oviposition in the field occurred at 27.5 C to 37.5 C (81.5 F to 99.5 f)” (10).

Minimum w/Survival: temperatures as low as 0 C (32 F) for up to 4 hours. (1)

Maximum w/Survival: Larvae survive at temperatures up to 45 C (113 F). (1)

Inactivity: inactive larvae at temperatures less than 10 C (50 F) and at temperatures higher than 45 C (113 F). Survival rate falls rapidly at temperatures over 47 C (116.6 F) (1).

Optimum for Pupation and Emergence:

“Larval activity and growth slowed considerably as the mean daytime temperature dropped below 25 C (77 F) (April-September). Observations indicated that larvae seldom pupated at such temperatures. However, after transfer to 30 C (86 F), some of the larvae used in the sludge processing experiments (see below) then pupated and adults later emerged.” (3)

Inconsistencies Discovered: none at present

Crawloff Rate / Bio-Conversion

(also bio-conversion of organic waste to larvae)

“High insect yield: 8% by dry weight – i.e., similar to earthworm systems” (Note: Listed as an advantage to using Hermetia Illucens, however the reference is unclear as to the substrate quantity added). (3)

Presentation by Dr. Paul Olivier is that bio-conversion of food waste done in Bio-Pods in Vietnam was: “roughly 20% by weight of the fresh food waste converted into fresh larvae. This food waste had an average dry matter content of 37%, and the prepupae had an average dry matter content of 44%. On a dry matter basis, the bioconversion of food waste situates at almost 24%.” (4)

Dr. Craig Sheppard in Georgia writes citing his own research in 1994: “Black soldier fly larvae converted manure in a 460 hen facility to self-collected prepupal biomass at a 7.8% (d.m. basis) rate (Sheppard et al. 1994) which would represent 58 tons from 100,000 hens in 5 months.” (5)

Dr. Craig Sheppard cites another study writing: “In a recent study with swine, the authors observed 15% d.m. conversion of manure to black soldier fly prepupae.” (5)

Dr. Craig Sheppard cites a third study: “Research by Engineering, Separation and Recycling (L.L.C.) of Washington, LA found a 24% d.m. (dry matter) conversion of food waste to soldier fly prepupal biomass.” (5)

Inconsistincies Discovered: Based on the above variance of substrate or study shows a degree between 7.8% (d.m basis) and 24% (d.m. basis). A more conclusive study showing substrate matter is probably required to get an idea of what is causing the actual difference between the bio-conversion of the larvae

Optimum Ph

“The larvae tolerate a wide range of pH and will survive well in compost derived exclusively from decomposing citrus fruits. This finding is consistent with published data where one species of Stratiomyidae was found in water at pH 5.7″ (Brues 1928).(1)

Inconsistencies Discovered: none at present

Optimum Feed(s)

“While the larvae consumed all types of vegetable foods (both natural and processed) they had a limited ability to remove animal products (meat and fat) even when these represented less than 10 percent of the food available in the laboratory.” (1)

Confirmed: A BioSystems Design Study with Universidad de la Salle and Victoria Gutierrez Baron and Natalia Sanchez confirmed that optimum feed for BSF was comprised of 50% vegetable matter and 50% fruit matter, even when compared to a feed of 47.5% vegetable matter, 47.5% fruit matter, and 5% animal products (meat/fat).

Inconsistencies Discovered: none at present

Optimum Humidity

Larval Stage Optimum:

“The larvae tolerate saturated conditions well but large larvae lose weight at approximately 1% per hour at 75.5% relative humidity. As expected, the rate of water loss increases with decreasing relative humidity. Smaller larvae are more susceptible to water loss, losing approximately 1.5% body weight per hour at 75.5% RH.” (1)

“Found that the maximum development rates for soldier flies in dung occurs at 70 % moisture levels.”(1)(2)

For Mating:

“Relative humidities of 30-90% supported mating and oviposition” (10).

Inconsistincies Discovered: none at present

Optimum Lighting

For Mating: “Minimum light intensity for mating is 63 μ mol m2s -1 with most mating occurring at over 200 μ mol m2s -1 (J.K.T. and D.C.S., unpublished data).” (10)

For Bioconversion: (Note from the author) Larvae are known to be photo-phobic.

Optimum Natural Environment Considerations

Optimal Oviposition (egg laying) Environments:

“Hoy (pers comm) suggests that adults avoid oviposition sites that are anaerobic.” (1)

“Wet substrates were less attractive to ovipositing Hermetia Illucens (aka black soldier fly) (Booth and Sheppard 1984). Therefore, water was added to medium used for an oviposition attractant to near the saturation point to encourage oviposition… [in another location].” (10)

“Based on observations made at Caboolture Sewage Treatment Plant, soldier flies do not lay their eggs in sewage sludge piles…. Under experimental conditions indoors (described below), adults did not lay in open containers of sewage sludge.” (3)

Additional Considerations:

“Larvae can operate 6 to 8 inches below the surface. At lower depths they accomplish very little bioconversion.” (7)

Inconsistencies Discovered: none at present

Control of Other Insects

“The black soldier fly (BSF) is a southern native, non-pest fly that unlike the house fly, is not attracted to human habitation or foods (Furman et al. 1959). BSF reduce manure accumulations 42-56% and give 94-100% house fly control through larval competition and by repelling ovipositing house flies (Bradley and Sheppard 1984). Elimination of lesser mealworm has been noted, but not well documented. The digested residue is a friable compost-like material with about 24% less nitrogen (net loss of 60%). From Bradley and Sheppard 1984 (6), cited in Roeder Meyer (8)

Inconsistencies Discovered: none at present

Mating Habits

“Newly emerged soldier flies mate in flight. Soon afterwards females begin to deposit egg masses near edges of decaying organic matter. Eggs incubate 4 days to 3 weeks before hatching.” (9)

“The larvae seek sheltered, dry locations to pupate.” (9)

Special Environmental Affinities

“Adults commonly frequent flowers of the daisy and carrot families.” (9)

Annex 1: If You’re Interested in How Others Have Grown Black Soldier Fly

This step by step process is written up weekly by author “GW,” aka “The Lord of the Flies” over more than a year. The Pond Boss Forum’s thread on Black Soldier Fly details how “GW” started his Black Soldier Fly colony, lessons he learned to control humidity, uses of different feeds (dog food, hog-feed, coffee grinds, etc), optimum sunlight, and also includes some great video, photos, and humor which makes reading the 15 pages of posts a delight. Also, remember that if you’re looking for something specific ctrl+F is your friend!

GW also has his blog for more resources and commentary.

Sources

(1) Use Of Soldier Fly Larvae In Organic Waste Management Dr. R. Newby. Central Queensland University. Biology Department.

(2) Filth fly (Diptera) oviposition and larval development in poultry manure of various moisture levels. Fatchurochim, S., C.J. Geden and R.C. Axtell 1989. J Entomol Sci 24: 224-231. (Note: No original source document has been found. This article was originally referenced and sited by source 1 pages 5, 7.)

(3) Performance Comparison of Earthworms and Soldier Fly Larvae in the processing of Sewage Sludge. Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies (AWTT) Scheme. Project 1003-01-001. Dr. Kevin Warburton, Dept. of Zoology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia Q. 4072. Tel.: (07) 3365 2979. Fax: (07) 3365 1655. Email: KWarburton@zoology.uq.edu.au

(4) New Vietnam Presentation. Dr Paul Olivier. Private correspondence. Public presentation to La Universidad de la Sabana. Bogota, Colombia. April 14 2007.

(5) “Black Soldier Fly and Others for Value-Added Manure Management.” Dr. Craig Sheppard. University of Georgia. Tifton, GA. Link to Article.

(6) Bradley & Sheppard 1984, study cited on this forum: http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=115752&fpart=1

(7) SunNet Listserv

(8 ) Meyer, H.J., Roeder, Richard. “Insect and Manure Management in Poultry Systems: Elements Relative to Food Safety and Nuisance Issues” 2006. Link

(9) Black Soldier Fly. North Carolina State University. http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG369/notes/black_soldier_fly.html

(10) Sheppard, D. Craig. J. Tomberlin, J. Joyce, B. Kiser, and S. Sumner. “Rearing Methods for the Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Journal of Medical Entomology. Short Communication. 2002 (Note: Only available via online sellers such as Ingenta Connect for $25).

We like the news at BioSystems, because it shows introductory acceptance of Insect-Based Feed as an excellent option for animal feed, fishmeal in particular. Neptune Industries, Inc. is progressing on standards certification for Insect-Based Feed along with other scientific developments that complement the fishmeal market. Neptune is breaking down barriers for the industry, and we are excited to see it – with full confidence in our own Insect-Based Feed which we plan to have prepared just in time to enjoy the benefits of a young, versatile fishmeal market.

With the full story, Yahoo Finance: