Natural Occurrence and Biology of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) under Local Conditions of Maharashtra

Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens is known as promising insect for organic waste recycling. However, its natural occurrence and biology in Maharashtra is not well documented. Present study aimed to assess the natural occurrence of H. illucens types of organic food substrates utilized by larvae in its natural environment and to examine its biology in the laboratory. The overarching objective was to evaluate the feasibility of rearing this insect under the local environmental conditions of Osmanabad district in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Natural occurrence of H. illucens at 16 locations spanning across 10 districts was reported. Larvae were observed feeding on various types of organic wastes encompassing animal manures and their derivatives, kitchen scraps from households and canteens, decomposing fruits, vegetables, spoiled onions in storage structures, organic residues including crop remnants. Biology of the fly was examined in the laboratory under room temperature and humidity conditions in monsoon and in winter. Overall lifecycle of H. illucens was completed in 44.17 (± 6.07) to 46.46 (± 6.83) days in monsoon and 66.45 (± 6.84) to 68.24 (± 7.61) days in winter. Fecundity of female was 586.53 (± 36.41) and 531.47 (± 20.33) eggs in monsoon and in winter, respectively. Aggregation behavior was observed in maggots. Interactions of some arthropods with H. illucens was observed. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential for culturing H. illucens under local environmental conditions of Maharashtra.