Taking care of the environment has been a major concern for many organizations and individuals. We come together in finding ways to solve these issues that deteriorate our environment, and one thing we agree on is that waste management is a great solution to preserve the environment. Related to this is an Insect: the Black Soldier Fly.
Black Soldier Flies (Hermetia illucens) are a Fly species belonging to the family Stratiomyidae. They are known for their distinctive black coloration and soldier-like appearance, with broad wings and a robust body.
DON’T LET THESE FACTS FLY OVER YOUR HEAD!
Pun intended! Here’s more information about the Black Soldier Fly.
LIFE CYCLE
Black Soldier Flies undergo complete metamorphosis. They go through four distinct stages: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult.
SIZE
The adult Fly’s length ranges from 15 to 20 millimeters.
LIFESPAN
Adult Flies typically have a short lifespan of about five to eight days, during which their primary goal is reproduction.
HABITAT
Black Soldier Flies are found in various regions around the world, including parts of North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. They thrive in warm and tropical climates.
DIET
Black Soldier Fly larvae are voracious eaters and are widely found in waste management and composting systems. They can consume a wide range of organic matter that includes kitchen scraps, animal manure, decaying plants, and food waste.
SAFETY
Black Soldier Flies do not bite or sting; they are generally harmless to humans. In waste management, it is of course important to follow proper hygiene measures.
DID YOU KNOW?
Black Soldier Fly larvae can help reduce the amount of organic waste in landfills, greenhouse gas emissions and improvement of waste management systems. Their consumption of waste also helps prevent the spread of disease-carrying organisms and pests.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE
After learning about Black Soldier Flies, I got curious. Through my good friend Johnny Filart, I found a source and was provided with both live and dried larvae.
The live larvae look similar to Mealworms. Large tropical Fishes, such as Cichlids and Arowana, eat them well. The drawback when compared to their Superworm and Mealworm counterparts is that the Flies mature quickly. Pet shops, for instance, might have a hard time maintaining them.
With dried larvae, it becomes interesting. They can be compared to commercial food, such as floating and sinking pellet types of Fish food.
The smell of dried larvae is unique, but in a positive way. They don’t smell like commercial food and might even be comparable to dried human food, such as crispy cornicks.
Large Fishes, such as Koi, Flowerhorn, and Goldfish, love them. The issue comes with those with smaller mouths, like Angelfish and most livebearers.
When ground, they work well as food for my Guppies, Platys, and Angelfishes. I then need to buy a bigger grinder for my large number of Fish companions. I also tested for their effect onbwater pH and surprisingly, they do not change it.
I also fed them to my Hamsters and Pigeons. While they were consumed, I think there is a need for further trials.
Overall, the Black Soldier Fly larvae offer a promising alternative protein source with a balanced nutritional profile. They have the potential to address protein demand, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to sustainable food production systems.
Take note that the nutritional composition of Black Soldier Fly larvae can vary depending on different factors, such as the specific diet they were raised on and their life stage.
Processing and preparation methods also affect the nutritional content. I will continue to use Black Soldier Flies for my animal companions but taking them as edible food for me will be on hold for a while since I am not adventurous enough. They can be fed to freshwater tropical Fishes, which is something the government should take seriously as it will benefit many sectors.
