Black soldier fly and its larvae - photo and description

In nature, there are several hundred species of flies similar in color to wasps. Lionfly (Stratiomyia chamaeleon) is a fly belonging to the order Diptera of the lionfly family (Stratiomyidae). It is a fairly large yellow-black insect whose body length reaches 14 mm. Externally, the lion bear is very reminiscent of a bee; what is especially striking is its flattened abdomen, painted with black and yellow stripes. However, it has neither a sting nor poison. The fly also has transparent wings and peculiar antennae with a ringed last segment. The brightly colored insect lives near bodies of water and most often on flowering plants. Of particular interest are the brownish-gray larvae of the black soldier fly, which live in water.

Features of the insect

The black soldier fly is a large fly from the soldier fly family (Stratiomyia chamaeleon).
It does not have a clearly defined habitat, as it is found everywhere. The black soldier fly visually does not at all resemble ordinary flies. A feature of the insect is its poorly developed oral apparatus, which is why the fly is only able to drink.

Black soldier fly on a leaf

The main purpose of an adult is procreation, since it is the black soldier fly larvae that are of interest.

Another feature of the fly is sexual dimorphism. This means that there are no characteristic differences between males and females in this species. This also applies to the size of the fly: it largely depends on the amount of food consumed by the larva.

Inspired by flies

Another Skolkovo resident last year was another fly protein producer, New Biotechnologies LLC, created three years ago by the brothers Igor , Alexey and Alexander Istomin and their partners. They also started (and still do) by selling feed protein from fly larvae (now the production capacity is up to 500 kg of feed protein per month) mainly for fish breeders and small livestock farms. New Biotechnologies is working with the green blowfly Lucilia Caesar (common green carrion fly). The company's business model is to provide services to livestock farms to equip them with modules for self-processing of meat waste (death, slaughterhouse waste, etc.). The essence is simple: the company builds a module on the customer’s farm, imports flies, trains farm staff in the technological process and then provides advisory support. For livestock, poultry and fish farmers, this promises waste-free production, since bio-waste is processed on site and then used as fertilizer for growing the main component of the feed. According to calculations by New Biotechnologies, if a farm generates 100 tons of waste per month, it will receive savings of 900 thousand rubles per month.

The third player in the new market for Russia, Innovative, which also appeared in 2015 and conducted its own laboratory research, chose a mixed business model. They decided to build their own production sites near agricultural holdings or vegetable warehouses and distribution centers in order to receive cheap, or even free, raw materials for processing - the same food waste. They are also fans of the black soldier fly; after processing, they sell protein, oil and vermicompost from the larvae. “For now, we sell or distribute to small farms only experimental batches to assess the economic effect, since there is no conclusion from Glavgosexpertiza yet,” says Entoprotek technical director Igor Abalkin . “But I know that medium and even large poultry companies are waiting for the new enterprise to receive all the permits in order to purchase more significant volumes from us.” An experimental site in the Penza region, where commissioning work is underway, will allow Entoprotek to reach a volume of 16 tons of feed additives per month.

Gennady Ivanov refused technology based on any biowaste, since he plans to enter the European market with his product. Now he is preparing to receive certification documents from his business partners - a Lithuanian company. An agreement has already been concluded with the Lithuanians that NordTechSad will transfer its know-how (the same cells) to them in exchange for 10% of the future revenue of the plant being built in Lithuania. With these funds, NordTechSad will be able to build a plant with a production volume of three tons of dry protein per day in just a few years. “But the main condition is the transfer to us of design and certification documentation for the creation of a plant in Russia,” explains Gennady Ivanov. — The fact is that to enter the European market it is not enough to have a Rosselkhoznadzor certificate, which we will soon receive for our product. In Europe, the production itself is certified, which means that all production conditions for safety, environmental friendliness, etc. are regulated down to the last screw. There are no designers in Russia who are so well versed in European legislation.” And then the world market will open up for the Russian startup, in which, by the way, a niche has become vacant after China failed to withstand the competition. “When Europe allowed the use of insect protein for aquaculture, protein from China immediately rushed there, and its price was one euro per kilogram,” says Gennady Ivanov. “But when the Europeans found out that they were feeding flies with animal and even human excrement, they completely abandoned their protein - and the price for it in Europe increased seven to eight times.” And if you consider that even the market leader AgriProtein works on food waste and therefore it is also difficult for it to expand in the European market, obsessed with organics, NordTechSad black soldier fly larvae grown on grain theoretically have great prospects abroad. Moreover, without external venture investors, at the expense of which most companies in this new business develop, but only through their own knowledge and ingenuity.

Features of adults

The black soldier fly also has other names - Hermetia illucens or Black Soldier Fly. The insect is found everywhere: more than a hundred species of such flies live in the forests of northern Eurasia alone. Large-scale production of soldier fly larvae has been established in Russia. The natural distribution area is North and South America.

The insect is neither in appearance nor in behavior like its annoying relatives. Due to the absence, or rather poorly developed and intended exclusively for drinking, mouthparts, the soldier fly does not feed at all. The only occupation of the newly born individual is procreation.

Individuals of the soldier fly species are characterized by the presence of sexual dimorphism. There are no obvious sexual differences between males and females, although the latter are usually much larger. However, in most cases, the size of flies depends on the amount of food consumed by the larva, as a result of which both males and females can have similar biometric indicators.

On a note!

After mating, the female lays from 5 to 8 hundred eggs in places where there is food available for her future offspring. Which takes no more than 7 days.

Black soldier fly and its larvae

Appearance

The color of the Black Lion fly resembles a wasp. Its wide, rounded abdomen with alternating black and yellow stripes especially attracts attention. The insect's chest and head are dark, and its limbs are light in color. Unlike the wasp, Hermetia illucens has only one pair of wings, which are smoky black. They have a dense structure and are covered with membranes.

The head of adults is short and wide. The eyes are set in different directions. The Black Soldier fly has elongated, segmented antennae on its forehead. They are 2 times longer than the head. Moreover, the last segment of the mustache differs significantly from the others in size. And at the end it has bristles sticking up. The legs of the Black Lionfly are short, the abdomen is yellow on the underside.

The oral apparatus is weakly expressed, of the licking type. It is intended purely for drinking. Therefore, an adult insect does not bite or sting.

Reproduction and life cycle

In the Black Soldier fly, like other dipterans, the development process occurs with complete transformation. The life cycle of an insect consists of stages: egg, larva, prepupa, pupa and adult. Its duration is about 50 days.

After mating, the female lays eggs on the leaves and stems of plants near bodies of water. Their size is about 0.8-1 mm, and their color is white-yellow. At one time, the fly lays 500-800 eggs. On days 5-7, larvae emerge from them, which subsequently pupate and turn into adults.

Spreading

The black soldier fly was originally distributed in subtropical and tropical latitudes. South America is considered its homeland. Subsequently, the insect was transported by man to all continents.

Mass rearing of Black soldier fly prepupae

Lionfly pre-pupae growing in an experimental farm After decades of work in Tifton, Georgia, researchers at the University of Georgia have concluded that black soldierfly is a valuable alternative to fishmeal in aquaculture feeds. Early work with the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) used manure as a substrate, but later it was discovered that food by-products were more suitable for feeding these insects.

Catfish grow well when fed lionflies, and other fish, including tilapia and rainbow trout, can feed on lionfly prepupae. The composition of the adult insect and prepupae depends on their diet.

Researchers from Asia, Europe, Israel, North and South America have long proposed the use of insect biomass as a high-quality additive for feeding pigs, cattle, and fish. Insects, especially larvae, convert organic waste into protein and fats. The most intensive work is being done on houseflies, because their biology is well studied and they have a high reproduction rate.

But houseflies are annoying creatures and potential carriers of infections. Recent work suggests black soldier fly as a candidate for industrial cultivation. Forty years ago, massive populations of these insect larvae lived in cages with laying hens or pens with pigs. A solid layer of hundreds of 3 cm long larvae consumed the manure as quickly as it was produced. The remains did not need to be removed for years (versus months) because the migrating prepupae carried the manure's nutrients away from the cages and pens. These giant populations no longer exist in factories because egg-laying females are denied access to modern indoor farms. It would be nice to restore this natural food chain.

Cherna Lionfly is an ideal candidate for mass production. Adults are not nuisance insects, and the larvae are tolerant and live at a density of 14 kg/m2. The prepupa, a cold-blooded creature, is a transitional stage between a larva and a pupa on the way to developing into an adult. The larva grows in 4 weeks or less, so an intensive culture system is possible. For 30 years there were only model systems at the university and only recently commercial production of soldier fly larvae has emerged. Cultivation is specially organized to provide live food for reptiles, fish and birds. Contaminated water or pig manure can support more than 9 kg/m2 of larvae per day. The expected feed conversion ratio reaches 25% (of dry biomass). Conservative projections indicate that 37,000 m2 of plants grown would produce 3,750 tons of dry prepupae meal per year. However, for more efficient use, it is expected that prepupae will be processed into protein, fats (especially lauric acid), chitin and other products.

Channel catfish fingerlings grow well on a diet that includes black soldier fly prepupae or prepupae lacking an outer shell. Survival rates on these experimental feeds are excellent, and the presence of up to 30% prepupae in the mixture does not affect its taste. The weight gained by fish remained similar when fed diets containing up to 30% prepupae (higher inclusions of soldier flies were not tested). The presence of chitin and high fat content in flour had no negative consequences.

Although digestible energy was similar in catfish diets, crude fat content increased with increasing content of soldierfish meal. In addition, the concentration of phosphorus and calcium increased.

Insect meal is much less expensive than menhaden fishmeal. The cost of fuel for fishing vessels, catching, transporting and processing fish is more than the cost of by-products for the cultivation of lionfish. The dry weight of an insect is 40%, while that of a fish is 20-25%.

Table. Channel catfish feeding on a diet containing soldier fly meal

Use of Black Soldier Fly prepupae
Answers given by the researcher to some questions: — Remark on the composition of manure By-products of grain processing with the inclusion of attractants. By-products almost always have a lot of fiber and are not the best substrate. Even manure differs in composition and suitability. Ruminant manure is less suitable for prepupae feeding than pig or poultry manure. However, poultry manure, particularly chicken manure, can contain a lot of litter material and is not suitable for cultivation.

Very few studies are devoted to the composition of micronutrients in the nutrient substrate. For example, adding yeast to manure will help replenish vitamin B12 deficiency in insects. Since soldier flies contain many minerals, especially calcium, the substrate should also have a high mineral content.

Manure is just the remains of an undigested part of the diet of farm animals, so some components may not be enough to satisfy the nutritional needs of lion cubs.

The composition of fatty acids in lion cubs is incomplete; there is a lack of omega-3 fatty acids, even despite the addition of special feeding. Therefore, complete replacement of fish meal with meal from this insect should be done with caution.

Question: Soybean processing produces up to 30 tons of okara (soybean pulp) per day. Can it be used as a substrate for lion flies? Answer: Okara is a fiber-rich by-product. It needs added sugar for better growth of the lions. If the insect culture is introduced into okara, biorefining will begin. However, without added sugar, adults will eat soy pulp with less appetite. The source of sugar is waste from melons, sweet potatoes, and molasses processing.

Question: Is rabbit manure okay? Answer: The moisture content of manure should be 60-70%. Questions arise about attracting lion cubs. Additional sugars may be required.

Question: Can the substance consist of dried animals? Answer: The animal protein content in the substrate should be 5% or less. During the active growth phase, meat can be added. However, a colony of soldier flies, unlike house flies, cannot exist on the carcasses of birds or fish.

Question: What ambient temperature is suitable for culturing prepupae? Answer: Temperatures above 26 C are preferable for lion cubs to lay eggs. Daylight is required for egg laying to begin. Once the larvae have appeared, the presence of light is not necessary, but it is better to maintain the temperature above 22 C.

Question: What feed conversion coefficient is typical for the cultivation of lion cubs? Answer: For pig manure with a moisture content of 70%, the coefficient in terms of wet weight reaches 6.4. In one experiment, 169 kg of manure produced 26 kg of prepupae. In terms of dry weight, 30% moisture content for prepupae and 70% for manure, the coefficient is 2.7.

Other observations indicate that the dry mass of manure decreases from 55 kg to 24 kg over 14 days of prepupae activity (i.e., 43.6% is utilized). But not all of the mass is included in the composition of the insect. Manure with a high lignin content has a low conversion rate to soldier fly biomass. —— By popular demand, link to the manual — https://yadi.sk/d/jZWvWItN3W7Sxe https://en.engormix.com/MA-aquaculture/articles/mass-production-black-soldier-t2139/p0.htm

Features of the larvae

After 3-5 days, tiny individuals appear from the eggs laid by the female, their length is about 3 mm. They are white, yellow or light brown in color, the cover is saturated with calcium carbonate. This is a kind of protection for larvae and pupae, which subsequently forms inside the shell. They feed on detritus and live mainly in soil and water bodies.

Black soldier fly and its larvae

On a note!

Some of their varieties normally exist in ant nests, manure, rotting wood - and this is their food.

Nutrition of black soldier fly larvae

The feeding process of the larvae deserves special attention; they have an excellent appetite. The tiny head has a beak-like appendage with two movable, jagged, brush-like organs. The beak-shaped process also has one more function: the ability to move the larva along the bottom of the reservoir. It clings to the unevenness and thus moves.

Black fly larvae are not picky about feeding; they feed on absolutely everything that comes their way. This could be: fish, meat, pork and poultry manure. Pig manure is more nutritious for them than cow or horse manure. The quality of manure processing is in many ways superior to manure fly maggots. The difference between black fly larvae and annelids is that they even feed on unfermented fresh foods. The only thing these larvae do not feed on is cellulose. After the larvae process the manure heap, the compost remains and the worms feed on it.

On a note!

The substrate can contain up to 100,000 individuals, resembling a large aggregation of maggots. Such a population can literally process up to 95 percent of various waste in one garbage can in just a few hours, not to mention other sources of their food.

Larval development

The first stage of development is about 14 days, during which time they grow up to 5 mm, but in the presence of favorable conditions for them. The next stage of development lasts ten days, their size doubles. At the third stage, this is the prepupa process, the larvae already reach a size of 20 mm, the color changes to dark brown. This process continues for about 8 days. The cover becomes dense and tough.

Life cycle and breeding for medicinal purposes

As a result of mating, the female is able to lay 500 – 800 eggs.

Soldier fly farm

For laying, the fly selects places in the immediate vicinity of the food supply so that the larva that emerges from the cocoon does not starve.

From the moment of laying to the emergence of the larvae, no more than a week passes. But most often they leave the eggs on the third to fifth day. Body length – no more than 3 mm. Color – yellowish, light brown or completely white.

The first stage of development, characterized by slight growth of the larvae, lasts two weeks. During this period they grow up to 5 mm.

For the second stage - duration 10 days - an active increase in body size is typical.

Growth of the Hermetia illucens pupa

The larva reaches 10 mm.

The third stage (prepupa) lasts 8 days. At this time, the larvae eat a lot and grow quickly: the size reaches 20 mm. The first molt occurs: the original color changes to a dark brown hue. The shell becomes hard and dense.

In the form of a pupa, the black soldier fly larva lives 10–11 days. The adult fly then emerges from the cocoon. The breeding cycle repeats again.

Black soldier fly larvae are widely used in medicine and cosmetology.

• A healing infusion of black soldier fly and larval meal, prepared in vodka, has powerful stimulating properties. The product is recommended for use as a prevention of cancer and viral pathologies.
• Adding the prepared larval mass to a cosmetic cream promotes active rejuvenation of skin cells, eliminating age-related and facial wrinkles.
• Applying flour from dry black soldier fly larvae to wound surfaces promotes rapid regeneration of damaged tissue. There are no inflammatory processes.

BLACK SOLDIER FLY

Black soldier fly (otherwise - Black soldier fly (BSF)), what it is or “what it is eaten with.” Perhaps this could be the title of this post. However, this fly has quite a large number of names. And the most correct one is Hermetia illucens. Nevertheless, as it is and has taken root in everyday life - “black lionfly”, let this fly continue to be called that way - Black lionfly.

Probably, many already have a sufficient amount of information regarding where this insect comes from. How and why it is bred. What are the nutritional properties of black soldier fly larvae. What conditions should be created for flies so that they reproduce successfully. What is the technology for breeding the black soldier fly? And much, much more.

There is now a lot of information on this matter on the Internet. And therefore, I believe there is no point in retelling what has already been repeatedly described on the Internet. It is clear that not all sources provide reliable, correct and verified information. Not everyone can boast of real research in this field. And not everyone is ready to share their experience and best practices.

Well, sooner or later someone has to give at least something of their own hard work in this field for everyone to see. In order to facilitate the activities of others following this path. And it is possible, someday, in turn, to receive from similar sources something that will be useful to him as well.

Black lionfly for a small farm - is the offer relevant?

To be honest, at the moment I do not have the opportunity, due to the lack of statistical data, to unequivocally state the need to use Black soldier fly (BSF) in personal plots or small farms. It is also difficult to clearly indicate the prospects for using the “abilities” of Hermetia illucens larvae in large livestock complexes or poultry farms. Although, as far as Asian countries are concerned, such activities there are carried out on a very broad scale. And sometimes the scale is very impressive.

However, in the process of working with Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, the idea is becoming increasingly stronger that in our conditions it is precisely in small private farms that the black soldier fly should be used most of all.

Of course, a very significant disadvantage here is the fact that the insect we are considering is heat-loving. It is clear that we do not know insects that feel great in the cold, frolicking and merrily darting around the snow cover. However, we have to admit that even in comparison with our traditional flies they behave comfortably at ambient temperatures of +10 C and above. The black soldier fly begins to “wooden” already at +22 C and below.

Accordingly, one way or another, when breeding the black soldier fly you have to face certain difficulties and peculiarities. And such circumstances do not greatly contribute to the widespread spread of Black soldier fly (BSF), for example, in the Central region of the Russian Federation. Therefore, despite the numerous positive aspects that this insect has, not everyone interested will agree to take on additional troubles. Well, for everyone else who is still ready to take on the “hardships and hardships” that result from breeding the black soldier fly, I hope some practical information from our own experience will be useful. Or at least informative and interesting.

What is the purpose of breeding Black soldier fly (BSF) on my small farm?

In my case, breeding the black soldier fly in our small farm does not yet have as its goal the development of the market for products generated from the use of the life activity of the black soldier fly. More precisely, the larvae and pre-pupae of the black soldier fly.

At the moment, the technology of using black soldier fly in a private plot or in a small farm has been tested and “polished”. Namely, how labor-intensive is the technology for breeding the black soldier fly? What nuances should be taken into account when growing fly larvae and using them in your backyard? Is the black soldier fly capable of making a qualitative impact during its use on a small farm?

These and many other issues are resolved during the breeding of the black soldier fly. For what? In order to try as much as possible to verify the feasibility and viability of using Black soldier fly (BSF) in a personal subsidiary plot. Because I believe that the black lionfish can and should be in the service of every private owner.

The benefits of breeding the black soldier fly are so obvious that all that remains is to establish to what extent the difficulties associated with its cultivation can cover all the positive aspects.

What benefits are you talking about from growing black soldier fly?

Well. this is a completely reasonable question. And it definitely needs to be answered. Before you begin the procedure of breeding an insect, you need to have at least an approximate understanding of why it is generally needed.

So, using the natural capabilities of Hermetia illucens, what do we get from it:

Disposal and processing of organic waste (food waste, manure, expired products, etc.). Obtaining biofertilizer resulting from the feeding and growth of fly larvae. Relatively fast growth of larvae and their achievement of a “marketable” appearance. Literally a week after hatching from the eggs, you can already observe fairly large active material. Food and feed additives from fly larvae and their prepupae (pupae) for feeding fish, all types of animals and poultry in the homestead. And also for feeding other insects in insectariums and reptiles. Chitin for subsequent sale for specialized purposes. Additionally, it should be noted that during the life of fly larvae (maggots), the characteristic stench, which is an indispensable attribute, for example, of the activity of an ordinary blowfly, does not appear.

Some comments and conclusions related to breeding the black soldier fly, from my own experience. It would probably be more correct to say: Review of breeding black soldier fly. But this is already a particular construction of the text. The essence will still be the same.

So, during the “exploitation” of the black soldier fly, the following nuances were discovered:

1. Black soldier fly larvae do not tolerate elevated temperatures. This became especially noticeable last summer, which surprisingly turned out to be dry and very hot this year. Namely, in cases where the ambient temperature remained above +35 C for a sufficiently long time (over several days), at first the larvae moved very vigorously and actively. They ate and grew very well. And suddenly, upon reaching medium size (10-17 mm), all the energy ran out.

It seems that only recently everything was moving and quite actively, but then, in the end, the overwhelming majority of the larvae, after 2-3 days, froze; their life activity ceased. Almost none of the larvae reached the prepupal stage. And by the way, immediately after the heat ended, the problems with the larvae dying also stopped.

In winter, when the average temperature in the room where the flies and larvae lived was around +20-22 C, these insects even felt much more comfortable. This allowed them to be fruitful and multiply, although not so vigorously, but still relatively well.

2. On the other hand, the onset of cold weather, which had such a beneficial effect on the larvae, of course, on the contrary, did not have such a good effect directly on the flies. The larvae actively fed and grew large and well-fed, promptly turning into prepupae, and subsequently into pupae. But then the matter was somewhat delayed: the flies took much longer to hatch and laid fewer and fewer eggs. An ambient temperature below +22 C immediately significantly affects the activity of flies. And accordingly, on their productivity in terms of laying fertilized eggs.

Under such circumstances, it is quite obvious that a decrease in the temperature comfortable for flies, in addition to everything else, is a factor that reduces the quantitative yield of larvae from eggs. Therefore, you have to be careful about maintaining a temperature regime close to +27 C.

3. Now regarding lighting. Many articles and videos constantly emphasize the importance of lighting when breeding flies. In particular, the fact is constantly stated that without strict adherence to a certain light regime and illumination spectrum, it is impossible to breed the black soldier fly.

I don’t presume to say the opposite, criticize or insist on my point of view. I’ll just point out what my own practical experience gave me. In my case, I have never been overly scrupulous in terms of strict control over the degree and specific spectrum of illumination.

Namely, an ordinary barn, or more precisely, a chicken coop, was used as a “production” site. In which ordinary lighting from LED energy-saving lamps was used, which we all use in standard natural conditions. Probably the only reservation is that a small window (50x50 cm) to the street next to which the insectarium was located can be considered as an additional light source.

Note: Next, a couple of small remarks, from myself, so that you do not spend unnecessary costs and do not waste precious time. I tried to use so-called LED phytolamps, which emit violet light and are recommended to be used for lighting plants in greenhouses; they have no effect on flies. Some publications indicate that the fertility of flies is best influenced by lamps with a blue light spectrum. Maybe. But so far it has not been possible to apply this knowledge in our own research.

4. When breeding the black soldier fly, from my point of view, it is important to observe the “mass” approach. What are we talking about here? It has been noted many times that the activity and growth of fly larvae strongly depends on their number per square centimeter. In other words, the more larvae are in the habitat, the more actively they feed, grow and form into prepupae.

On the contrary, attempts to experiment with larvae and grow separate batches from a small number of them, precisely for the subsequent hatching of flies - as broodstock, unfortunately were not crowned with success.

Of course, I really wanted to grow large, fat larvae, which would then turn into equally fat flies, which would then lay many, many eggs. However, in the case when three dozen larvae “grazed” on three kilograms of food, miracles did not happen over and over again. The larvae grew poorly and further formation was unsuitable. As a result, it was decided to suspend such experiments for now and be content with a banal selection from the total number of prepupae of the required number of individuals for hatching flies.

5. If the maintenance of black soldier fly larvae is carried out not in specially adapted niches placed on the floor, but using boxes. (Usually, in our conditions, most people use plastic containers with a height of 40 cm and a volume of 60 liters or more). It is advisable to use transparent boxes with a height of no more than 200 mm.

At first, I also used exactly these containers, made of black, opaque plastic. Which, in principle, probably has its advantages: a durable box with thick walls, roomy, convenient. However, as it turned out later, it is not very convenient when it comes to working specifically with fly larvae.

The thing is that the high walls of the opaque container make it difficult to observe the level of “biomass” in it. It is difficult to control the filling level. As a result, with an increase in the total depth of the mass by more than 8-10 cm, the chances that the food for the larvae in the container will begin to “burn” sharply increase.

As you remember, the larvae themselves, during active life, emit a lot of heat. Added to this is the heat generated by the melting food mass. Especially if this mass consists mostly of grain waste or chicken droppings. One overlaps with the other. And within a day, it is quite possible to get up to 50% of the burned food and 20-30% of the larvae that died from overheating.

In addition, usually most larvae do not “work” at the entire depth of the available food mass. But only at a depth of 1 to 5 cm from the surface. As a result, a significant part of the mass located deeper than 5 cm from the surface either begins to “burn” or rot. In both the first and second cases, this mass becomes unsuitable for nutrition even for larvae. And it must be sent to the heap for “ripening” of the biofertilizer.

A brief conclusion and my own opinion on the advisability of breeding and using the black soldier fly for the homestead.

Here I will try to be objective and present my review of breeding the black soldier fly. It is quite obvious that he may not coincide with the opinion of other fly “lovers”. But applicable to my situation with the farmstead, I can note the following.

First of all, I would like to note that... I don’t have enough food for these voracious “animals”. No matter how surprising it may sound. But this fact takes place. Naturally, one can express undisguised amazement at this matter: How is this possible? After all, you said you have 200 chickens in your chicken coop!! Yes, you can pull out 15 kg of manure from them every other day!

Right. You can also pull out droppings. However, my bird is kept on the floor, and not in a cage. In turn, the floor is liberally sprinkled with sawdust. This is better and more comfortable for the bird. Wood waste is contraindicated for fly larvae. Therefore, sometimes you have to take away some of the waste from the table from your cats and dogs and give it to the flies.

And besides, it is preferable to feed larvae grown on chicken droppings to pigs, cattle and other four-legged animals. It is better to give the bird larvae (pre-pupae) fed on food waste or grain waste.

On the other hand, the fly is completely included in the general cycle of the farm. And it is used 100%. This is vermicompost from processing waste and manure, for greenhouses. Poultry feed. And, in fact, there is no need to think about where to throw away lost food products, including spoiled grain.

Thirdly, it doesn’t take much time to care for the fly and its offspring. Usually this is 20-30 minutes every two days. Which is spent on supplying the flies with water (the flies themselves do not require any nutrition other than water). Then, throw food to the larvae. Collecting clutches of eggs and “seeding” them in a nutrient medium. Selection of prepupae and preventive examination of the entire “colony”. This is actually the whole process of servicing the black soldier fly.

So my opinion is clear - there must be a black lion in the service of the homestead. There is a place for her there and it must be used. It is only necessary to solve the issue of optimizing the conditions of its maintenance in our climate, which is cold for it. There are still some nuances with this that require improvement. However, I believe that this issue can and should be resolved in the very near future.

Is there any benefit from black flies and their larvae?

Animals and poultry feed on them; they are rich in calcium and are considered a highly valuable substance. The undoubted benefit is that after flies settle in the waste, nothing remains after them. Therefore, the issue of selling manure is resolved on its own. This also applies to the disposal of hazardous organic accumulations.

Interesting!

The process of composting by soldier flies takes about seven days. If we mention the traditional process, it takes several years, earthworms cope with this task in 90 days.

The larvae crush the waste, extracting nutrients from it, resulting in a large pile of waste being reduced by 80 percent, leaving only humus.

Black fly larvae are often used by fishermen to feed fish. They are also eaten by chameleons, reptiles, bats, aquarium fish, toads, and spiders. Another advantage is that they are absolutely not interested in being close to humans.

black soldier fly breeding.

Breeding fly larvae in honeycombs

Place the cells on both sides of the general structure. This form is economical and effective for the construction of honeycombs. The horizontal diameter of a bee cell is 5.3-5.7 mm (there are about 4 cells per 1 square centimeter), depth is 10-12 mm. The thickness of combs with unsealed brood is on average 22 mm, and after they are sealed up to 25 mm or more. The cell volume is about 0.28 cubic centimeters.

After mating, the female lays fertilized eggs at the bottom of the honeycomb cells, where they remain dormant for 3 days. In the cells of used honeycombs there is food in the form of residues from honey; the larvae will feed on it.

A method for increasing the number of clutches of the black soldier fly

The invention relates to a method for increasing the number of clutches of the Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). The method is characterized by the fact that for laying fly eggs, natural and artificial bee honeycombs are used as a working material, acting as a matrix, and the size of the honeycombs in diameter is from 4.0 to 7.0 mm, in wall thickness - from 0.1 to 1 .0 mm, depth - from 5.0 to 15.0 mm, bottom thickness - from 0.1 to 2.0 mm, honeycomb smell - natural, color - any shade of white, yellow, red, green, black , blue colors. The use of the invention will increase the number of fly clutches. 5il.

The invention relates to the field of biotechnology, in particular to methods for increasing the number of clutches of the Black Soldier fly, using natural (used) and artificial (plastic) honeycombs.

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a large American fly of the soldier fly family (Stratiomyidae) that has gained great popularity in the last decade as a food item for reptiles, birds and other animals. First of all, this is due to the high nutritional value of the larvae, which contain significant amounts of protein and calcium. Additionally, they can be used in agricultural installations to stabilize problematic wastes including swine, cattle and poultry manure. The larvae are capable of digesting waste, including organic portions of biological solids, sewage sludge and waste from fish and meat processing, fruits, vegetables, restaurant waste, kitchen waste and cellulose, and the resulting substrate can be used for growing plants. However, industrial breeding of the Black Soldier fly is carried out mainly in countries with warm climates, in enclosures located in the open air. Breeding the species in areas with cold climates is possible only in laboratory and industrial, artificially created conditions and is explained by some difficulties, primarily associated with the high demands of adults on light, humidity and temperature [Tomberlin, JK et. al., 2002. Selected life-history traits of black soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) reared on three artificial diets. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 95: p. 379-386; Zhang J et. al., Date unknown (circa 2009). An artificial light source influences mating and oviposition of black soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Unpublished. State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China].

Mating of adult black soldier flies usually occurs two to three days after emerging from the pupal stage. In this process, temperature and light levels are of great importance. According to research by Zhang et al. (2009), it was found that the minimum illumination required for mating is 70 µmol/m2/s, the maximum is 100 µmol/m2/s. For egg laying, the optimal temperature should be maintained at 27°C with a relative humidity of 60%. Under such conditions, egg hatchability of 80% or more is observed.

Egg laying usually occurs two days after mating. Females look for places that are close to a food source to lay their fertilized eggs. Fly eggs are fragile, small and vulnerable to changes in environmental parameters. For conservation and safety, females lay eggs in confined spaces. These should be places that protect the masonry sites from drying out, from unfavorable external factors, with optimal temperature conditions (27...33°C) and air humidity (25...60%).

When conducting research at the Institute of Ecology and Evolution named after A.N. Severtsov RAS (Moscow, Russia), aimed at breeding the Black soldier fly (Hermetici illucens) in cold climates, corrugated cardboard cut into strips was used for laying eggs. In laboratory conditions, a one and a half liter container was placed at the bottom of the terrarium (dimensions 40x115x100 cm, where 100 cm is the height), into which a 3-centimeter layer of moistened wheat bran was poured. A plastic mesh was installed above the bran, on which corrugated cardboard was placed. Females laid eggs in holes in corrugated cardboard in large clutches containing 400-500 eggs. The lifespan of adults ranged from 10 to 20 days. Cardboard with masonry was replaced daily. The eggs were incubated in Petri dishes in dry cardboard at a temperature of 26°C and air humidity of 80%.

When breeding black soldier fly larvae in cold climates, similar studies were conducted in Ontario, Canada, approximately 300 km south of the northern limit of the fly's natural distribution. When breeding larvae, new plastic egg cartridges were introduced as ovipositors. The incubator (the place where fly larvae are reared) was divided into two separate zones, each measuring 0.762 m × 0.305 m. Cartridges for laying eggs were placed in one of the parts. The cartridges were made from relatively hard plastic sign board, which was cut into pieces measuring 0.305 m × 0.003 m × 0.0254 m. Each cartridge had two holes (5 mm × 3 mm) through which two steel threaded rods were inserted, connecting the cartridges together. After assembling the blocks for laying the eggs, they were installed in the incubator. To ensure optimal air humidity in the incubator, sponges were used. The grooves in the sponges also protected the egg clutches from drying out and kept them moist.

The problem to be solved by the claimed patent is the use of natural used and/or artificial bee honeycombs to increase the number of clutches of the Black Soldier fly in laboratory and industrial conditions.

In the first case, the problem is solved by using natural bee honeycombs as a matrix (place for laying) to increase the percentage of larvae yield and ensure their safety from adverse environmental factors. Honeycombs are wax structures of bees intended for storing food reserves (honey and beebread) and raising offspring. They consist of hexagonal prismatic cells located on either side of the common mediastinum. The hexagonal shape is the most economical and efficient shape for honeycomb construction. The horizontal diameter of a bee cell is 5.3-5.7 mm (there are about four cells per 1 cm2), depth is 10-12 mm; The thickness of combs with unsealed brood is on average 22 mm, and after they are sealed - up to 25 mm or more. Cell volume is about 0.28 cm3.

After mating, the female black soldier fly lays fertilized eggs at the bottom of the honeycomb cells, where they lie dormant for 3 days. In the cells of used honeycombs there are remains of honey, which is the initial food for future larvae, moreover, it is an environmentally friendly natural material with the correct ratio of the diameter and depth of the cells (Fig. 1).

When laying eggs, the female Black Soldier fly looks for a place close to the food source, since after hatching, new larvae begin to migrate towards the main food source. Thanks to its writhing movements, the young larva releases a large amount of heat and energy, and in order to have enough strength to reach the food, the laying site must be treated with a diluted high-calorie and nutritious solution of honey with the addition of protein powders. In old honeycombs such a mixture is present. The wax comes into contact with propolis, pollen, honey, larval excrement and decomposed remains of their food. The resulting compound is a very tasty, healthy and satisfying product for future larvae.

Wax is used as a building material for honeycombs. This is a fairly durable natural harmless product of the wax glands of bees, protecting laid eggs from many factors: water, drying, and harmful microorganisms. The wax can even reflect ultraviolet and infrared radiation, providing maximum protection and safety for future fly larvae.

On average, the composition of wax contains about 300 different substances, including hydrocarbons, esters, water, free fatty acids, minerals, aromatics and other substances. The wax is based on esters formed by neocerotinic, palmitic, melissic acids, ceryl and melissic alcohols [Kondratiev G.P. Chemical composition and properties of wax and wax raw materials / https://al-bee.com/%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%87%D0//2013]. Each component has a characteristic smell, color and taste. The wax itself, obtained in the apiary, also emits some aroma. When all of the above components are mixed, the resulting compound emits a characteristic odor, which attracts female flies and is the determining condition for the use of natural honeycomb when laying eggs.

Determination of the efficiency of larval release when breeding the Black Lion fly was carried out on the basis of a small innovative enterprise LLC NordTechSad, Arkhangelsk in laboratory conditions in specially created chambers (cages). Chambers with dimensions of 40*80-130*100 cm, where 100 is the height, are a prism made of foamed PVC with a volume of 0.42 m3. The artificially created conditions necessary for the growth, development and reproduction of flies meet the necessary requirements under which the larvae and adults feel comfortable: ambient temperature - 30-35 ° C, air humidity more than 70%. For a comparative analysis of the base for laying eggs, used bee honeycombs were used (Fig. 2), with dimensions: bottom thickness - 0.73-1.44 mm, cell wall thickness - 0.20 mm, cell diameter - 5.26 mm, cell volume - 0.25 cm2, and strips of corrugated cardboard, measuring 10x15 cm.

A container with pre-soaked feed was placed in the insectarium, which should emit an unpleasant odor. A plastic mesh, folded in a zigzag, was placed on top of the feed, and strips of corrugated cardboard with the holes facing up and natural used bee honeycombs were placed on top of it. Flies laid eggs in the cells of corrugated cardboard and honeycombs. There were up to 500 eggs in one clutch (cell). After 1-3 days, a comparative analysis of the results was carried out.

With the use of used bee honeycomb, the percentage of clutches, and as a consequence the yield of fly larvae, increased significantly, by an average of 90%, in contrast to cardboard (Fig. 3). Due to the natural smell of bees, honeycombs attract more female black soldier flies to lay eggs. The wax comes into contact with the remains of honey, propolis, and pollen; the resulting compound is a tasty, satisfying and nutritious food for future larvae. Limited space, correct dimensions of the ratio of the diameter and depth of the cells provide protection for laid eggs from many unfavorable environmental factors. Due to esters (neocerotinic, palmitic, melissic acids, ceryl and melissic alcohols), bee honeycombs have a natural odor and thereby attract females to lay eggs. The stated criteria determine the possibility of using natural honeycombs as a basis for laying eggs when breeding Black Soldier fly larvae in laboratory and industrial conditions.

The second way to solve the problem is to use artificial (plastic) bee honeycombs as a place for laying eggs of the Black Lion fly fly. The principle of operation is similar to natural honeycombs, but in this case the base is an organic material made from synthetic or natural high-molecular compounds (polymers) such as PLA plastic. The material is able to form under the influence of heat and pressure and maintain a given shape after cooling or hardening.

Artificial honeycombs (Fig. 4) have not been confirmed to deform and, unlike natural ones, whose lifespan does not exceed 1 month (3 masonry), artificial ones are more durable (more than 10 years). They have the ability to withstand elevated temperatures, as a result of which the honeycombs can be sterilized and disinfected to prevent the breeding of parasites and bacteria, which is especially important in the industrial production of Black Soldier Fly larvae.

The sizes of artificial bee honeycombs can vary: diameter - 4.0-7.0 mm, wall thickness - 0.1-1.0 mm or more, bottom thickness 0.1-0.3 mm. The color and smell can be artificially changed depending on the fly's preference. Artificial honeycombs can be given any scent pleasant to flies; The color of the honeycomb can be of any spectrum: white, yellow, red, green, black, blue (Fig. 5). However, according to research conducted in the laboratory at NordTechSad LLC, the insect prefers the red color of honeycombs. When comparing green, black and red shades, the maximum number of fly clutches was noted in red combs: red - 10 pieces, black - 5 pieces, green - 1 piece. According to their structure, artificial honeycombs can be one-sided or two-sided.

Determining the effectiveness of using plastic honeycombs to increase fly clutches and, as a result, increase the percentage of larvae released, was carried out in laboratory conditions on the basis of NordTechSad LLC. The work used artificial honeycombs created on a 3D printer, a peripheral device that uses the layer-by-layer method of creating physical objects from a digital 3D model. Material - polymer base, honeycomb dimensions: bottom thickness - 0.22 mm, cell wall thickness - 0.12 mm, cell depth - 10 mm, cell diameter - 5.38 mm.

Laboratory tests have determined the possibility of using plastic honeycombs for breeding fly larvae. Due to the listed advantages, artificial honeycombs are optimally suited as a basis for laying eggs during mass breeding of the Black Soldier fly in artificially created conditions, both on an industrial and laboratory scale.

The method of using honeycombs compared to corrugated cardboard differs in that the eggs are safe from external adverse environmental factors; in the cells of natural honeycombs there are remains of honey, propolis, pollen and decomposed remains of food, which are the initial nutritious and satisfying food for future larvae; natural honeycombs are an environmentally friendly, harmless natural material with the correct ratio of the diameter and depth of the cells; natural honeycombs, due to the presence of esters, have a natural odor and thereby attract females for laying; artificial honeycombs are more durable (more than 10 years) and are not subject to deformation; plastic honeycombs can be sterilized and disinfected during industrial production to prevent the breeding of bacteria and parasites; The size, smell and color of plastic honeycombs may vary.

Size: diameter - 4.0-7.0 mm, wall thickness - 0.1-1.0 mm, depth from 5 to 15 mm, bottom thickness 0.1-2 mm.

Smell: any aroma is pleasant to flies.

Color: any shade of white, yellow, red, green, black, blue.

The method of using honeycomb compared to corrugated cardboard is different in that artificial honeycomb is created by 3D printer and has a low production cost, which can be scaled up into large-scale production; material of artificial 3D honeycombs - polymer base (plastic), honeycomb dimensions: bottom thickness - 0.22 mm, cell wall thickness - 0.12 mm, cell diameter - 5.38 mm, cell depth 10 mm; red artificial 3D honeycombs provide the maximum number of clutches of the Black Soldier fly.

A method for increasing the number of clutches of the Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), characterized by the fact that for laying eggs of the fly, natural and artificial bee honeycombs are used as a working material, acting as a matrix, and the size of the honeycombs in diameter ranges from 4.0 to 7.0 mm , wall thickness - from 0.1 to 1.0 mm, depth - from 5.0 to 15.0 mm, bottom thickness - from 0.1 to 2.0 mm, honeycomb smell - natural, color - any shade of white, yellow, red, green, black, blue.

Female fertility

Flies acquire the ability to fertilize the day after their birth. Young females lay about 70 eggs at a time, more mature individuals - up to 120 eggs. Fly eggs are oval, off-white in color, no more than 1 mm in size. They are always located in groups. Photos of fly eggs can be seen below.

Flies at the adult stage live from 14 days to 2 months, depending on climatic conditions. During its life it manages to lay about 2 thousand eggs. They begin to be active in early spring, when the air temperature rises to 10 degrees Celsius. At the end of September and October, with a decrease in climatic indicators, the insect goes into hibernation. Flies, larvae, and pupae overwinter.

Horseflies

Horseflies are a large family of dipterans (there are about 130 species in the USSR), in which the most famous genera are true horseflies (Tabanus), lacewings (Chrysops) and rainflies (Chrysozona, Haematopota). In the dormitory, horseflies are constantly mixed with gadflies, which are a completely different group of insects.

The true horsefly (Tabanus) in its adult state is well known to everyone. Looks like a large, big-eyed fly. The horsefly quietly lands on the unprotected skin of a person who detects its presence, suddenly feeling a sharp pain from the injection. In hot, dry times, horseflies hover in flocks around horses and cows, tormenting them with their stings. In the north, deer suffer from them. They are sometimes carriers of anthrax and tularemia pathogens.

Application in fishing

Black soldier fly maggots are also used in fishing. They are suitable for bait and complementary feeding. Carp, roach, crucian carp, redeye, as well as other river and lake inhabitants are good for larvae. And if maggots are painted yellow or red, they can attract the attention of large predators.

What fishermen say

While exploring the Internet, I came across completely different opinions. I will list the most striking of them:

1) It is often noted that the average weight of fish is slightly higher than when fishing with maggots.

2) “Partial” predators bite well. Chub, ide, rotan, perch. But ordinary peaceful fish too. Just as a percentage. Perhaps the peculiarity of the region can be traced.

3) It also performs well in winter fishing. Bream, large roach and especially perch are responding.

4) Small things do not bite readily. For example, small roach up to 150 grams. Although for each fisherman, such a measure as “magnitude” is individual.

5) In the Siberian region, a positive reaction of grayling is noted.

6) Added as a live component to bait when catching bream.

Does Black Solder Fly really need reviews? It's just an ordinary fly

At first glance, the topic is not even worth discussing. And even more so, a detailed detailed analysis. Just think, some kind of foreign fly.

But this is only in the case when you yourself did not come close to the issue at hand. You have not and do not plan to participate in breeding Black Solder Fly.

As soon as an understanding of the insect’s demand comes, it immediately becomes obvious that the Black Lion Fly and reviews are a very relevant and necessary “thing”. Especially when you are already in the process and the problem that has arisen requires an early resolution.

Black Solder Fly

In fact, a lot depends on how seriously you approach the moment being described. Any issue to which you devote, or wish to devote, more than 10% of your time every day, requires a special attitude. And therefore, he no longer accepts formalities and neglect.

However, such a statement can be attributed to any hobby or professional approach to something specific.

So, even if the Black Solder Fly makes some people smile, for others it is a kind of exotic fly. For you and me, this is still at least an interesting hobby. In a more significant sense: an additional opportunity to use your hobby in the possibility of recycling food waste, obtaining not only nutritious but healthy food for animals, birds and insects, as well as excellent biofertilizer free from “chemicals”.

reviews are needed about or not.

Is there really a great demand for the Black Soldier Fly on our farms?

It is quite obvious that personal passion does not require confirmation. That is, we all understand perfectly well that we are not obliged to prove to anyone or account to anyone for the realization of some of our desires.

Here, everyone is personally able to assess how great their own need and the need of their immediate environment is for the manifestation of the personal.

A slightly different attitude appears when ideas are implemented, directly or indirectly, but quite significantly, influencing the world around us, the environment.

And one of these manifestations is primarily realized in our backyard, in personal subsidiary plots. Not to mention the status of large industrial production.

Why is the Black Lionfly interesting for the homestead?

Note. Today we are looking at the fly in exactly this vein. Because the topic of Black Solder Fly, which is already being revealed for large-scale production on an industrial scale, is worthy of separate, closer attention.

1.

In the first part of numerous positive statements, reviews almost everywhere appear about the Black Lionfly, indicating its use as food . Moreover, the food is of excellent quality. Rich in high quality protein and microelements. Feed with a biological composition that has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora of animals and birds.

(It should be understood that in this and subsequent cases, we are talking about larvae, prepupae and pupae of Black Solder Fly).

Black Solder Fly

In addition, this food is so versatile that it can be used to feed almost all types of animals, birds, fish and insects. It is probably easier to make a small list of living creatures that cannot feed on the black soldier fly than a huge list of those who will devour it with great desire and appetite.

From this point of view, yes, it is absolutely indisputable: Black Lioness can only receive the most positive reviews. There won't be many competitors here.

2.

The next significant advantage of BSF is the ability of growing fly larvae to absorb and process almost any product consisting of organic substances. At the same time, it is highly desirable if such products, or rather waste, are already spoiled and subject to rotting.

To give you a clearer idea of ​​what exactly can act as a food source for the Black Soldier Fly larvae, I will give an example from my own experience. That is, what I was able to feed the larvae with.

And into the boxes with larvae they flew: spoiled tomatoes, cucumbers, sour leftovers from homemade compotes, selected trimmings and remains of mushrooms after mushroom trips, crushed grain, moldy bread and crackers, spoiled zucchini and pumpkins, chicken droppings, half-eaten cereals and soups, rotten fish and rotten apples, grape pomace and potato peelings; and even chicken carcasses (sometimes sad things happen; sometimes some chickens die, especially in winter).

What does Black Solder Fly eat?

Is it necessary to further indicate that, in addition to the above, almost anything can act as such food “delicacies”, from manure (droppings) to brewing waste, from re-sorted vegetables from a vegetable store to leftovers from a festive table, from expired goods from a supermarket to rotten in the basement of the onion...

And much, much more. Here everything depends on imagination and the degree of preparation of food for the larvae. (One situation is when you throw a whole, undamaged watermelon into a niche with larvae. Another situation is if the larvae receive pumpkin ground through a meat grinder as food).

3.

The Black Lionfly can receive the following well-deserved reviews for its ability to convert all the waste that comes to it as food into a complete, very effective and high-quality bio-fertilizer.

Here, please pay attention to the word: “fertilizer”. Let me explain why and for what purpose. Again, I will try to provide this with my own example.

And the point was the following. Once you read that the substrate that remains after the Black Solder Fly larvae process food waste is an excellent basis for growing berries, vegetables and fruits. I collected this wealth into buckets and rushed to surprise my plants. The harvest promised to amaze with immodest volumes.

Note. To my shame, I turned out to be not very attentive and took this instruction quite literally. In addition, the substrate we have designated looks so attractive (soft, semi-airy, crumbly, moderate humidity) that you just want to sow it with seeds right away.

With joyful, touching squeals, the substrate in question was immediately packaged into numerous jars and basins. Where they immediately placed everything that could grow at that time: seeds, seedlings, flowers.

"Well! Now how will everything go! Just have time to reap the harvest!” I thought then.

On the second day, after all the transplanting procedures, my entire garden on the windowsill was convulsing. And in some places, he was already lying completely lifeless.

A stunned question flashed in my head: “What the hell!!!” Immediately I remembered and found (or found, and then remembered. I don’t remember, already.) the answer, which was expressed in one word - “Fertilizer.” Who plants plants in fertilizer?!

Later, having more carefully touched on this topic, the optimal rate of the resulting bio-fertilizer was clarified and established, about 10-15% of the volume of soil occupied by the plant. But this is just one of the options.

However, fertilizers and plants are not my element. Therefore, we will not discuss this topic in this article.

These are the key points indicating the positive aspects of breeding Black Solder Fly

The three segments presented above, the place of which is in the “niche” of the homestead, are only a small, non-expanded part of the conditions indicating a clear demand for breeding black soldier fly for personal farming.

But we have not yet considered the possibility and admissibility of using Black Solder Fly in the food industry, in medicine (chitosan), and in cosmetics. However, this is a completely different story.

Next, I will present some notes that I recommend paying attention to. The monologue will not follow the standard pattern: first there are positive reviews, then there are negative reviews about Black Solder Fly. I think this is not the most accurate way to provide information. After all, it happens quite often that what looks like a disaster to one, seems like a huge bonus to another.

Ultimately, the independent opinion read and perceived in itself already has weight in one’s own experience. As opposed to as if such knowledge did not exist.

Can there really only be positive reviews regarding the Black Lion?

Oh, if only we had something that was presented only positively from all possible sides. It is very interesting to look at such a fairy tale.

And the black lion in this case is not such a fairy tale. She also has her own misunderstandings. They are not so critical as to not allow one to not deal with this fly at all. But still, there are also shortcomings and, in this part, the black lionfish should also receive appropriate reviews.

I do not consider it necessary now to repeat again what has already been stated in numerous materials that are freely available on the Internet. In particular, about where this fly comes from and why it is important to take this circumstance into account. Or what are the prescribed parameters necessary for keeping and breeding the black soldier fly.

Black Solder Fly Larvae

There is a lot of such information now. But I have the opportunity to offer some of my experience. Moreover, regarding what you should especially pay attention to first of all.

Otherwise, you can sing a lot of praises. Get excited about the idea. Get excited about new achievements in the field of BSF breeding. And so on. But, when things are already in full swing, it’s sad to suddenly discover a lot of “not taken into account” problems that have appeared.

Nutritional value of maggot Black soldier fly

Experts classify the larvae of this species as low-calorie, high-protein dietary food. They are considered more valuable than zofobas and mealworms, and in addition, they contain a high calcium content, which is important for growing and young animals and birds. The ratio of calcium and phosphorus is also optimal.

Protein per 100 g of fresh weight – up to 26 g

The energy value per 100 grams of fresh mass is 186 Kcal.

A valuable quality of Black soldier fly maggots is also their amino acid profile: increased content of linolenic acid (one of the forms of omega-3 fatty acid), the essential protein methionine (animals and birds do not synthesize this amino acid, but receive it only with food). Arginine and lysine are also present in increased content.

Live maggot Black soldier fly is the best food in terms of content and ratio of lipid-protein mass, and is allowed in feeding young and weakened animals, during gestation and feeding of offspring, and recovery from illnesses.

Since the maggots of this type of fly contain the pigment melanin, it is very valuable for ornamental birds and fish - their color is more saturated.

What benefits are you talking about from growing black soldier fly?

Well. this is a completely reasonable question. And it definitely needs to be answered. Before you begin the procedure of breeding an insect, you need to have at least an approximate understanding of why it is generally needed.

So, using the natural capabilities of Hermetia illucens, what do we get from it:

1. Disposal and processing of organic waste (food waste, manure, expired products, etc.).
2. Obtaining biofertilizer resulting from the feeding and growth of fly larvae.
3. Relatively fast growth of larvae and their achievement of a “marketable” appearance. Literally a week after hatching from the eggs, you can already observe fairly large active material.
4. Food and feed additives from fly larvae and their prepupae (pupae) for feeding fish, all types of animals and poultry in the homestead. And also for feeding other insects in insectariums and reptiles.
5. Chitin for subsequent sale for specialized purposes.

Additionally, it should be noted that during the life of fly larvae (maggots), the characteristic stench, which is an indispensable attribute, for example, of the activity of an ordinary blowfly, does not appear.

Fighting maggots

Eggs and larvae of flies

Blowflies develop on dead, rotting tissues of animals and humans, as well as in feces, manure, pus, and garbage cans. The larvae help the corpses decompose, thereby bringing extreme benefits. At the last stage of their development, they burrow into the soil and pupate.

Fly larvae do not have a digestive system; they absorb already digested food. To do this, they initially release a caustic, aggressive chemical that dissolves any organic tissue, after which the prepared food is absorbed.

Fighting maggots

The destruction of fly larvae in most cases is carried out using preventive methods in order to prevent them from completing the full development cycle. The following methods actively influence flies to reduce the number of eggs:

• Indoors, you can get rid of fly larvae using sterility. Take out the trash in a timely manner, throw away rotten fruits and vegetables, do not leave crumbs on the tables, keep the toilet clean. It is recommended to install mosquito nets on windows and doors.
• To get rid of adults and larvae, insecticidal agents are used. In most cases, sprays and aerosols are used. An effective, affordable remedy - Karbofos, Dichlorvos, Raptor, Raid, Clean House, Agita. Death occurs within 2 hours.
• The area where garbage cans are installed should be concreted and asphalt laid.
• Promptly place fresh poultry, animal and fish meat in the freezer. Eggs die at temperatures below 8 degrees Celsius. Adult flies are instantly killed by -12 degrees Celsius. At 10, females stop laying eggs.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, handling food, and disinfecting wounds. Such measures prevent eggs from entering the body and prevent intestinal diseases and myiases.

What you may encounter when breeding Black Solder Fly

Without much “overclocking”, I will immediately try to provide a number of significant, from my point of view, nuances that you will have to keep in mind when dealing with the maintenance of a black soldier fly.

I doubt that anyone will provide you with more detailed reviews of the Black Lion in a similar vein.

FIRST, THE SMELL

No matter how paradoxical it may be, this circumstance must be taken into account. You may have heard more than once that, unlike our ordinary blowflies, black soldier fly larvae are practically not accompanied by a smell during their life.

Nothing like this. There is a specific smell. I agree, it is much less harsh and much more calmly perceived and tolerated than the “aromas” of blowfly maggots. But he is present.

Therefore, if you decide to organize breeding of a lionfish in an apartment, it will not be superfluous to take into account the opinions of those living with you.

SECOND, NUTRITION OF THE LARVAES

When forming foods that you intend to feed fly larvae, you will have to pay attention to planning. In this case, we are trying to prevent a situation in which either the larvae do not have the required amount of food. Or there is so much of it that your habitat will take on the appearance of a garbage dump.

Black Solder Fly

THIRD, ATTENTION

Keep in mind, no matter what reviews Black Solder Fly receives, especially in terms of not being demanding of yourself in the area of ​​excessive attention, you will still have to constantly supervise the life activity of this insect. Daily, mandatory attention. (Well, or alternatively, once every two days).

Indeed, when maintaining a small colony, 20-30 minutes a day is more than enough to devote time to flies. However, if you just leave the larvae and flies for 2-3 days, some nuance will definitely pop up: either the flies need to be given something to drink, then the larvae’s food may begin to “burn,” then it’s time to “drive out” the prepupae, then it’s time to collect clutches of eggs, then the temperature has changed.

FOURTH, COSTS

You will have to take into account that the maintenance and breeding of Black Solder Fly is accompanied by some costs for paying for those energy resources that you will have to use to maintain the comfortable temperature required for mating BSF flies and active growth of larvae. Electricity, gas, central heating, etc. — you will have to pay extra for all this.

FIFTH, “BROODSTOCK”

For some reason, this nuance sometimes fades into the background or is completely forgotten. And you should remember this and plan the expected events in advance. Perhaps for some this does not seem like a problem at all. However, as for me, I have had situations a couple of times when literally every larva and every fly counted.

For the first time, I needed to get away from my flies for a long time. And upon my return a week later, I found a dozen half-dead dipterans in the insectarium and larvae dried in the boxes. Fortunately, the temperature in the room with insects was lower than usual, recommended for keeping, and was only about 17 C. And the survivors, for the most part, were simply in a daze.

As a result, it took almost 4 months to restore the livestock to the previous level, with all the consequences, as they say.

The second time, most of the larvae “ordered to live long” for the remaining several dozen brothers due to the long, intense summer heat. When almost all the larvae were practically boiled in boxes with food without even reaching the prepupa stage.

And again, with great anxiety, day after day, I had to gain the mass of black soldier fly I needed.

Since then, I have always kept 300-400 grams of lionfly pupa in a cold place (at a temperature of +3-5 C) as a control stock. Naturally, this stock is updated approximately once a month. The pupae can be stored in this state for 3-4 months. In this case, of course, the percentage of fly yield decreases by about 20-25 units. But it's still better than not having flies at all.

So what's the bottom line?

Of course, I will continue to express my position and share practical knowledge regarding Black Solder Fly. I still have something to say and share. I do not have a special scientific education or technical training to present the relevant material from a professional point of view.

However, I believe that my own is no less important for the common man than dozens of scientific works. In the end, even you, the lack of special education in the field of programming or skills in designing computer systems, is unlikely to significantly prevent you from using a laptop to solve your own current problems.

And now, as for the Black Lion, my review of it, on my part, contains only positive notes so far. What will happen in the future is unknown. However, today there are clearly more pros than cons. Of course, when breeding the Black Lion Fly, there are certain aspects that require increased attention. There are also some inconveniences, which may require additional effort to overcome.

However, what the Black Solder Fly provides clearly has a more attractive side that makes you work with the fly.

And one of the strongest arguments, in this case, is the opportunity to get a real result from practically nothing.

As in his time, in the form of a humorous phrase, my grandfather, who was reputed to be a very skilled person, was sometimes not averse to giving his assessment of the results of the work: “Look, you see, I made candy out of shit!”

In our case, such a phrase sometimes acquires quite realistic confirmation in its literal sense. Will a zealous owner remain indifferent to a situation where something that he previously had to throw in the trash can today be used in a new capacity. And what’s more, it’s for the benefit of the economy. Moreover, with the proper skill and desire, you can also earn extra money from this.

So, today, based on the situation that is “available”, if I am given the choice of working with the black soldier fly or not, I will, of course, choose the first option.

For comparison, let me clarify: for example, I will refuse such an offer with the Californian worm; I’ll think about the proposal for bees (this is where my soul should lie more).

If anyone has additions or clarifications, or currently unresolved questions, the comment box below the article is active. Ask. Please check. And by the way, perhaps you have more productive and expedient solutions - please share.

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