Developmental biology of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens) influenced by various substrate types

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is increasingly recognized for converting organic waste into valuable resources, such as high-protein larvae and nutrient-rich frass. Using a two-factor experimental design, this study aimed to determine the developmental biology of BSF larvae influenced by substrate types and ratios in Camiguin Island, Philippines. Factor A was composed of substrate types (chicken, cow, goat, and pig manure), while Factor B was composed of substrate ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 manure with rice bran). Larval growth, assessed across six instars, revealed significant differences in length, width, weight, and developmental duration. At the sixth instar, pig manure (A4) produced the longest larvae (17.282 mm), with the highest length (18.620 mm) recorded in the 1:1 pig manure and rice bran ratio (A4B1). This combination also yielded the broadest larvae (4.765 mm). Chicken manure (A1) produced the heaviest larvae (0.138 g), while the 2:1 pig manure and rice bran ratio (A4B3) resulted in the heaviest larvae among all treatments (0.148 g). In terms of developmental duration, chicken manure (A1) facilitated the shortest larvae-to-pupa transition (18.42 days), while pig manure (A4) resulted in the fastest pupa-to-adult stage (13.75 days). The 1:1 ratio (B1) had the shortest pupa-to-adult transition (13.69 days) and adult emergence (7.92 days), while the 2:1 ratio (B3) exhibited the fastest overall emergence (8.25 days). These findings highlight the significant effects of substrate types and ratios on BSF larval development, demonstrating their potential for advancing sustainable agriculture, waste management, and nutrient recycling. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)