Optimization of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) artificial reproduction

Abstract

The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L., 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is an endemic fly species from the tropical, subtropical and warm temperate zones of America. This saprophagous species relies on its environment where it finds the decomposing matter for the larvae to grow. The polyphagous diet and the macronutrient quality (mainly lipids and proteins) of these larvae make them excellent candidates for various applications such as waste and organic material management, incorporation in animal feed or alternative energy source. Although rearing development in temperate regions requires artificial processes to continuously produce high quality eggs and larvae, few studies have been conducted on the mating and oviposition processes governing H . illucens reproduction. Research conducted in semi-artificial rearing conditions showed that the number of mating varied according to the season. It has been speculated that this behavior could be due to differences in the intensity of sunlight caused by the change of seasons. This study aims at evaluating the influence of sex-ratio, density and nycthemeral cycle on H . illucens reproduction. In order to tackle this issue, an artificial set up for oviposition to collect eggs has been developed. This egg collection system aims at centralize oviposition and simplify eggs collection. Two populations with opposite sex-ratio (male-dominant and female-dominant) were selected. Their respective eggs productions have been evaluated for five breeding densities. Eggs weights varied significantly among the densities for each opposite sex-ratio population and female dominant population produced most eggs weight from 6500 individuals /m 3 . Finally, four nycthemeral cycles (2, 6, 12 and 18h of daily light) were simulated to evaluate the impact of light duration on reproduction. Early oviposition pic associated with a decrease of the oviposition period are shown when H . illucens are exposed to increasing light duration. These experiments enable improvement of the understanding on artificial reproduction of H . illucens .

About lipid metabolism in Hermetia illucens (L. 1758): on the origin of fatty acids in prepupae

“…Collected prepupae were placed in nylon-cages (75.00 × 75.00 × 115.00 cm, Bugdorm, Taichung, Taiwan) under artificial light with a 6,500 individuals/m 3 density waiting for imago emergence. When adults emerged, an artificial set up for oviposition was disposed to collect eggs (see Hoc et al, 2019 for more details 50 ). The system was placed on a plastic container (17.20 × 11.50 × 6.00 cm, AVA, Temse, Belgium) filled with 7 days old fermented carrot as oviposition attractant and topped by a mosquito net.…”

Optimization of Hermetia illucens (L.) egg laying under different nutrition and light conditions

“…Although abundant studies were performed on the optimization of larvae rearing [3,[14][15][16][17], additional information on the adult breeding strategies must be deepened. Expanded knowledge on the individual reproductive potential of females, adult density and nutrition requirements [18,19], may increase egg production and achieve a successful industrial process.…”

“…In the tropics, BSF adults mate and lay eggs yearlong, while in warm temperate regions natural breeding is restricted to a few generations [20,21] when the temperatures are above 26˚C [22,23], as a consequence of the decrease of light duration and intensity due to seasonal variation [19,22]. Factors such as light intensity, temperature and humidity play a decisive role in mating and oviposition performances of BSF flies [22][23][24].…”

Larvae Mediated Valorization of Industrial, Agriculture and Food Wastes: Biorefinery Concept through Bioconversion, Processes, Procedures, and Products

“…The presence of these mo's could rapidly hydrolyze the carbohydrates in the feed substrate, making it available for BSFL [144]. Several other new ideas, perspectives and patents [145][146][147][148] focusing on the optimization of BSF breeding have been communicated attesting the growing interest in industrial-scale BSF rearing.…”