THE BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVA
Black soldier fly larvae are unmatched in their ability to efficiently convert organic waste and by-products into high-quality outputs that serve as sustainable ingredients to feed, food, and technical industries.
The fly​
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The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a tropical species found in warm, humid climates. After mating, each female lays up to 900 eggs, which hatch within 24 hours. Adult flies live only 5 to 10 days and, lacking mouths, do not eat. Instead, they rely entirely on energy stored during their larval stage. Their inability to feed and their preference for clean environments mean they do not spread diseases.
The larva
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Newly hatched larvae weigh just 0.02 milligrams but increase their body weight 12,000 times within ten to 12 days. Combined with their ability to thrive on various waste and by-product streams, this makes them remarkably efficient for large-scale waste handling. During waste conversion, the waste volume is reduced significantly, and the residue, the larvae’s manure, called frass, is a great and sustainable organic fertiliser.
The uses​
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Black soldier fly larvae are rich in protein and fats, making them a sustainable choice for pet food, aquafeed, livestock feed, and human consumption. They are also a natural source of calcium, phosphorus, and chitin, which promote healthy digestion and overall animal health. Antimicrobial peptides further help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, reducing the need for antibiotics.
