Influence of Physical and Environmental Factors on the Life Cycle of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)

In the present study effects of different factors such as temperature,humidity,moisture content of substrate,larval density,salinity of substrate on duration of different life stages of Hermetia illucens have been analysed and their effects are also discussed. Hermetia illucens,commonly known as Black soldier fly can be considered as one of the important species in the field of bioconversion.As an efficient way of disposing waste and conversion into a protein rich and fat rich biomass, the larva becomes suitable as feed for various livestock species particularly fish,poultry,pig,goat etc.The study was carried out from November 2022 to May 2023 in the laboratory of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya,Dalgaon,Darrang. The study revealed some variation in the length of life-cycle of the larva which was found to be dependent on different seasonal and environmental factors as mentioned above. The main advantage of this fly culture is that the larva feeds on waste materials which are of plant and animal origin, food waste, slaughterhouse waste, sludge etc. The black soldier larva is rich in nutrients, averaging42.1-43.2%crude protein, 33% protein and also micronutrients. Therefore, it may better consider to be an alternative to commercially available feed for the livestock and also for recycling. This fly culture or the whole practice may evolve as an alternate pathway for the animal husbandry.