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)

In order by year and by alphabetical Article Title:

2008

“Development of Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae Fed Dairy Manure” Myers, Heidi M.1; Tomberlin, Jeffery K.; Lambert, Barry D.; Kattes, David.  Environmental Entomology. Volume 37, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 11-15(5).  Pay Article:

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/esa/envent/2008/00000037/00000001/art00002

2007

“Fish Offal Recycling by the Black Soldier Fly Produces a Foodstuff High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Hilare S. Newton, Sheppard, Tomberlin.et al.  Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. Volume 38 Issue 2.  Pages 309-313.  May 2007

“Fly prepupae as a feedstuff for rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.” St-Hilaire S, Shepard C, Tomberlin JK, Irving S, Newton L, McGuire MA, Mosley EE, Hardy RW, Sealey W, 2007. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 38:59-67.

2006

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

2005

“Black Soldier Fly and Others for Value-Added Manure Management.” Dr. Craig Sheppard. University of Georgia. Tifton, GA. 2005

“Compositional, Microbiological, and Digestibility Analysis of the Protein of Larva-Meal from Hermetia Illucens in Antioquia, Colombia.” Gloria Patricia Arango Gutiérrez; Rodrigo Antonio Vergara Ruiza y Humberto Mejía Véleza.

“Using the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia Illucens, as a Value-Added Tool for the Management of Swine Manure.” Newton. Sheppard.  Report for Mike Williams. 6 June 2005. Free Article:

http://www.pc.ctc.edu/coe/new%20pdfs/BlackSoldierFly_manure_control_mar1706%20(2).pdf

2004 and Earlier:

“Dried Hermetia Illucens Larvae Meal as a Supplement for Swine.” G.L. Newton. C.V. Booram. R.W. Barker and O.M. Hale. Journal of Animal Science 1977. 44:395-400.

“Dried Hermetia illucens larvae (Stratiomyidae) as a feed additive for poultry.” Hale OM, 1973.  Journal of the Georgia Entomological Society 8:16-20.

“House Fly and Lesser Fly Control Using the Black Soldier Fly in Manure Management Systems For Caged Laying Hens” Sheppard, Craig. Environmental Entomology, Volume 12, Number 5, October 1983 , pp. 1439-1442(4). Entomological Society of America

“House fly oviposition inhibition by larvae of Hermetia illucens, the black soldier fly.” Bradley, S. W. & D. C. Sheppard. 1984. J. Chem. Ecol. 10: 853-859.

“Lekking Behavior of the Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)” Tomberlin, Jeffery K., D. Craig Sheppard. Florida Entomologist.  Pg 83 – 4.  Dec 2001.

“Manure solids conversion to insect biomass(Black Soldier Fly Larvae) for value-added processing into animal feed protein meal and oil system.“  Sheppard, C., W. Watson, L. Newton, and G. Burtle. 2003.Proceedings of the North Carolina Animal Waste Management Workshop. Research Triangle Park, NC. October 16-17, 2003. Pgs. 48-53.

“Oviposition of the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens(Diptera: Stratiomyidae): Eggs, Masses, Timing, and Site Characteristics” Booth, Donald C.; Sheppard, Craig. Environmental Entomology, Volume 13, Number 2, April 1984 , pp. 421-423(3). Entomological Society of America.

“Parasitism of the Black Soldier Fly by Trichopria sp. (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) in Poultry Houses” Bradley S.W., Booth D.C., Sheppard D. C. Environmental Entomology, Volume 13, Number 2, April 1984, pp. 451-454(4). Entomological Society of America

“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.  Free Article:

http://www.lgp.qld.gov.au/docs/local_govt/grants_subsidies/funding/awtt/1003_awttfinalreport.pdf

“Rearing Methods for the Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).” Sheppard, D. Craig. J. Tomberlin, J. Joyce, B. Kiser, and S. Sumner. Journal of Medical Entomology. Short Communication. 2002

“Recycling of Coffee Pulp by Hermetia Illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae” Gerardo Larde. Biological Wastes 33 (1990) pgs 307-310.

“Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in chicken manure by larvae of the black soldier fly.” Erickson, J. M.C., M. Islam, C. Sheppard, J. Liao, and M.P. Doyle.  Food Protection.  2004.  67:685-690. Pay Article:

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iafp/jfp/2004/00000067/00000004/art00009;jsessionid=15sq5715x4fgj.alice?format=print

“Selected Life-History Traits of Black Soldier Fles (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Reared on Three Artificial Diets” Tomberlin, Jeff.  D. Craig Sheppard.  John A Joyce.  Annals of the Entomological Society of America.  2002.  Vol 95. No. 3 pgs 379-387.

“Soldier fly Hermetia illucens L., as feed for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) and blue tilapia, (Oreochromis aureus) (Steindachner).” Bondari K, Sheppard DC 1987.  Aquaculture and Fisheries Management 18:209-220.

“Susceptibility of Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae and Adults to Four Insecticides.” Jeff Tomberlin.  Craig Sheppard.  John A. Joyce.  June 2002 Entomological Society of America.

“Use Of Soldier Fly Larvae In Organic Waste Management.” Dr. R. Newby. Central Queensland University. Biology Department.