Influence of Cr and Cd accumulation and excretion on growth and gut microbiota in black soldier fly larvae (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

< 0.05, LSD test). Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were positively correlated with larval weight and EE, while Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were negatively correlated with these parameters, suggesting that Cr and Cd accumulation and excretion affect larval growth by altering the gut microbiota. This study contributes to the theoretical framework of heavy metal-gut microbiota-host interactions in BSFL, addresses the research gap regarding the combined effects of Cr and Cd on BSFL, and provides a scientific basis to guide the safe and efficient application of BSFL in the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated livestock manure, thereby supporting its important academic and practical relevance.