Impact of Rearing Substrates on Black Soldier Fly Growth and Fertility: A Semi-Industrial Scale Study to Optimize Egg Collection

Juvenile environments can influence adult phenotypes in holometabolous insects. This study examines the effects of larval rearing substrates on the reproductive outcomes of Black Soldier Flies (BSFs) at a semi-industrial scale. Larvae were reared on five substrates. Larval growth, adult size, and reproductive performance were monitored, with a specific focus on egg production and hatching rates across 17 continuous egg collection days. Egg production was positively correlated with female body weight, while male body weight appeared to influence the egg production peak. Extended larval feeding stages and shorter non-feeding periods were associated with an earlier onset of egg-laying, suggesting life-history traits as predictors for reproductive timing. Diets high in carbohydrates but low in protein and fat positively influenced larval growth, egg production, and female body weight, while diets rich in both protein and carbohydrates negatively affected all measured parameters. Notably, higher fecundity did not necessarily correlate with fertility (i.e., more viable larvae for bioconversion), highlighting the need to optimize diets for both egg quantity and hatchability to maximize productivity. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing larval nutrition and egg collection practices, enhancing reproductive efficiency and overall productivity in industrial BSF farming.