Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758)

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    Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is distributed throughout the tropic and temperate regions of the world (Tomberlin et al., 2002); however, due to its use as a waste management agent and as feed (Sheppard et al., 1994), this species can now be found in most areas where industrialized societies are located. Adults measure between 2 and 3.5 cm and appear wasp–like. The black soldier fly has a complete life cycle with an egg, larva, pupa, and adult stage (30 plus days needed under optimal conditions). Eggs are deposited in decomposing material ranging from plant matter, animal waste, to vertebrate remains. Larvae are voracious feeders and have been identified as a key species for mass production of protein and fat. Protein from the black soldier fly, or the larvae themselves, has been produced for use as feed for livestock. Furthermore, due to what is known about this species, much like with the house fly, it can be produced at the tonnage level daily.

    Hermetia illucens adult

    References

    • Sheppard, D.C., Newton, G.L., Thompson, S.A. and Savage, S., 1994. A value added manure management system using the black soldier fly. Bioresource Technology 50: 275–279.
    • Tomberlin, J.K., Sheppard, D.C. and Joyce, J.A., 2002. Selected life–history traits of black soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) reared on three artificial diets. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 95: 379–386.
     
     

    Classification

    Hermetia illucens
    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Arthropoda
    Class Insecta
    Order Diptera
    Family Stratiomyidae
    Subfamily Hermetiinae
    Genus Hermetia
    Species H. illucens
       
    Author citation (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Common name black soldier fly