Evaluation of different substrates for multiplication and waste reduction potential of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Stratiomyidae: Diptera)

The influence of five different wastes namely, vegetable, fruit, kitchen, fish slaughter, and rice moth rearing (wastes), was evaluated on the multiplication, development, and waste reduction potential of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens under laboratory conditions. The survival rate of larvae, prepupae weight per unit weight of wastes, adult fecundity, and longevity were the highest in kitchen and vegetable wastes. The lowest rate of survival and least weight of prepupae was recorded in the fish slaughter wastes. Kitchen wastes and rice moth rearing wastes recorded the lowest feed conversion ratio and residence time requirement. Bioconversion rate, pupal weight, and survival percentage of pupae were recorded to be the highest in kitchen waste. The results indicated that black soldier fly larvae could degrade kitchen and rice moth rearing (wastes) wastes and these parameters can be used to upscale the biomass production of this detritivore insect with suitable development parameters.