The Black Soldier Fly

Happy insect week everyone! 

Today, I want to introduce you to an insect that has been gaining a lot of attention in sustainability circles – The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetica illucens). I first heard about this incredible insect at a conference where researchers were looking at its potential application as a feed for aquaculture. 

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What is the Black Soldier Fly?

The Black Soldier Fly is a black coloured fly from the family Stratiomyidae (also known as soldier flies) – hence its name! They are considered mimics, with very similar features to the organ pipe mud dauber wasp; the flies have elongated, wasp-like antennae and transparent ‘windows’ on their bodies that make the flies appear to have a thin, wasp-like waist. By mimicking this aggressive predatory species, black soldier flies disguise themselves from their own predators.  

Photograph of a Black Soldier Fly (note its wasp-like features, including elongated antennae and transparent torso segments)

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 What makes this fly so special?

Whilst native to South America, the black soldier fly is considered a cosmopolitan species, found across all continents except for Antarctica. Despite this, the fly isn’t an invasive species, nor is it an agricultural pest or disease vector.

Infact, they're quite the opposite! These flies have a wide variety of potential applications, including:

• Food waste managment

• Feed for aquaculture and livestock

• Fertiliser production

Black soldier fly larvae are voracious feeders of organic matter, helping to break down substrates and release nutrients back into the soil. Larvae can also upcycle nutrient-poor material into protein-rich insect material, making them suitable for a range of agricultural applications such as feed for aquaculture and livestock. Unlike houseflies, black soldier flies have significantly reduced sponging mouthparts, structures used by other insects such as houseflies to regurgitate digestive fluids to break down foods. Instead, adult black soldier flies typically don’t eat, instead relying on nutrients gathered during larval stages for survival. Because of this, black soldier flies do not spread pathogens or diseases. 

These incredible properties have led some to consider black soldier flies as ‘crown jewels’. Hopefully you’ll consider these flies something of a gem after reading this post! 

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Make sure to come back tomorrow for our last blog post as part of Insect Week!

If you are interested in learning more about insects and their crucial roles, check out the resources available at: https://www.insectweek.org/