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Black soldier fly larva (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), presents an attractive waste management solution that not only addresses the issue of waste but also generates alternative proteins and fats. Substrate quality and pre‐treatment by fermentation may play a crucial role in waste reduction efficiency and larval quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth performance, waste reduction efficiency and nutritional composition of BSFL rearing using different ratios of coconut endosperm (CE) and soybean curd residue (SC) with pre‐treatment by self‐fermentation (F), fermentation with baker's yeast (Y) and without pre‐treatment (C). Seven‐day‐old larvae were randomly separated into 15 experimental groups with three replicates. The experiment ended when the prepupae appeared. Based on the results, the larvae fed a diet with a high percentage of fresh SC exhibited the highest weight and growth rate, whereas the shortest development time was observed in larvae reared on Y. Pre‐treatment of the substrate with fermentation proved effective in waste reduction. The nutritional composition of the larvae showed that the highest crude protein was produced in larva reared on fresh 100% SC, and the highest ether extract was found when fed CE at 100% with pre‐treatment with F or Y. In conclusion, it is recommended to employ a fresh diet with a high SC content to optimise protein production, whereas a high level of CE with F or Y may be performed to obtain a high ether extract content. However, incorporating yeast fermentation with an SC content exceeding 25% provided high efficiency in waste reduction. Therefore, the selection of the ratio between CE and SC and of pre‐treatment techniques depends on the producer's objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen infection and conspecific density may considerably affect key life‐history traits of organisms. For naturally aggregating species, even low concentrations of pathogens or high larval densities may have detrimental effects. However, the detailed influence of these factors, particularly their interaction effect, is often overlooked in ecological and life‐history studies. To investigate the effects of conspecific density and pathogen infection on life‐history traits, we explored the influence of larval density (1 and 5 larvae cm−2, i.e., low and high density, respectively) on phenoloxidase (PO) activity, body mass, and development time of Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae in the presence of two strains of the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. We observed higher PO activity in EPF‐treated larvae than in the untreated control and a pronounced difference in PO activity between the two EPF‐strain treatments. Larvae reared at high density and treated with EPF showed higher PO activity than untreated larvae at low density. The EPF‐treated larvae and larvae reared at high density had longer larval periods than untreated larvae and larvae reared at low density, respectively. Larvae reared at high density also achieved reduced prepupal and pupal masses compared to conspecifics at low density. Interestingly, untreated larvae only achieved higher prepupal and pupal masses at low density, whereas at high density, the pattern was reversed (treated individuals had higher pupal masses). Overall, our results demonstrate that high density and fungal pathogens both induce a higher immune response compared to low density and pathogen‐free environments, but this comes with a cost of a longer larval period and reduced body mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frass, a byproduct of insect rearing, has become popular for its potential use in sustainable agriculture. The rapid growth of insect production results in an increased frass output. This study examined the effects of frass as soil amendment on plant growth and resistance to insect herbivory. In greenhouse experiments, Brassica rapa L. (Brassicaceae), was grown in unamended soil (NoFrass; control) or soil amended with frass (2 g kg−1) from larvae of black soldier fly (BSFF), Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), or yellow mealworm (MWF), Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Frass was applied as raw, incubated, or composted frass before seed germination. Plant growth and performance were measured of larvae of root‐feeding Delia radicum L. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) and shoot‐feeding Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Initially, raw BSFF and MWF reduced the growth of B. rapa and resulted in a smaller leaf area than NoFrass. However, over time, a notable trend emerged. Whereas the difference in leaf area between MWF and NoFrass disappeared, BSFF consistently resulted in a smaller leaf area than MWF and NoFrass. Raw BSFF reduced D. radicum larval survival and pupal biomass and larval survival of P. xylostella. In contrast, raw MWF increased larval survival and biomass of D. radicum and the survival of P. xylostella larvae. Interestingly, incubation of frass in the soil for 16 days before seed germination removed plant growth inhibition and increased plant leaf area, especially for MWF compared to NoFrass. In addition, composting MWF increased leaf growth. Therefore, frass may be used as a sustainable and natural alternative to conventional organic fertilisers, promoting plant growth and enhancing resistance to herbivory. Our results indicate that soil amendment with raw BSFF may negatively impact herbivore performance, whereas raw MWF may enhance herbivore performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in Mexican amber is described as Cyphomyia mexicana sp. nov. Diagnostic features of the new fossil include a tapering antennal flagellum, with the last three flagellomeres nearly cylindrical in shape, the terminal flagellomere appearing as an arista-like style, the presence of three transverse light bands fused on the posterior portion of the scutum, and the scutellum entirely covered by short and appressed setae. While the new fossil species has the typical wing venation and body shape found in extant Neotropical species of Cyphomyia, the body, wing colour and setal pattern on the thorax and abdomen resembles that of a group of species containing C. wiedemanni Gerstaecker, 1857. The fossil cannot be assigned to any extant or extinct species of Cyphomyia, due to its unique antennae. This is the first fossil species of Cyphomyia in amber and the fourth fossil species of Stratiomyidae from Mexican amber. Cyphomyia rohweri, the only other fossil species assigned to the genus, is more similar to undescribed stratiomyids from Florissan beds, which are not Cyphomyia, so, in this paper, we place C. rohweri as incertae sedis in the Clitellariinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of the genera, Actina Meigen and Allognosta Osten-Sacken from the subfamily Beridinae found in the Korean peninsula, viz. Actina diadema Lindner, A. jezoensis (Matsumura), Allognosta japonica Frey, and A. vagans (Loew), were treated taxonomically in this article. One Palearctic species, A. japonica Frey, was reported for the first time in Korea. Identification keys, external photographs, diagnosis, description, and distributional range of these four species are presented herein to facilitate accurate identification.

Simple Summary: The discovery of new and improved diets is necessary to mass rear predators of high quality to support the biological control of plant pests on crop plants. This study evaluated the black soldier fly (BSF) as an alternative food source for mass rearing of the pink-spotted lady beetle, which is a predator of aphids. The hypothesis that BSF larval powder supported the growth, development, and reproduction of the predator was tested in the laboratory. When compared to a standard in-house diet containing brine shrimp egg powder plus algae and myristic acid (BSE+CM), the BSF diet reduced immature growth and development. Immatures successfully reared to adults were smaller when reared on BSF or BSF+CM. Combining BSF with an artificial diet (AD) in a 50:50% ratio (i.e., BSF+AD) did not improve predator growth or development. Predator oviposition responses to BSF versus BSE+CM or BSF+AD versus BSE+CM did not differ significantly. In conclusion, BSF has the potential to be food that supports predator oviposition behavior. The discovery of new and improved factitious and artificial diets is necessary for cost-effective rearing of predatory arthropods. This study evaluated Hermetia illucens black soldier fly (BSF) as a suitable alternative food source for rearing the predatory coccinellid Coleomegilla maculata (Cmac). The hypothesis that BSF larval powder was suitable food to support the growth, development, and reproduction of Cmac was tested in the laboratory. When compared to a standard in-house diet containing brine shrimp egg powder plus Chlorella vulgaris green algae and myristic acid (BSE+CM), the BSF and BSF+CM diets reduced immature growth and development. Immatures successfully reared to teneral adults were smaller when fed BSF or BSF+CM rather than BSE+CM. Combining BSF with a powdered artificial diet (AD), i.e., BSF+AD, did not improve predator growth or development, compared to Cmac reared on BSE+CM. Cmac oviposition responses, i.e., egg clutch production, to BSF vs. BSE+CM or BSF+AD vs. BSE+CM did not differ significantly. In conclusion, BSF has the potential to be food that supports Cmac oviposition behavior. Future research is necessary to discover an ideal mixture of BSF, BSE+CM, or AD that supports Cmac growth, development, and reproduction over multiple generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive biology of the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), was investigated in males and females with a focus on how sperm is handled by males before – and by females after – copulation. As this insect has great economic importance for protein production from agri‐food wastes, its reproduction needs to be precisely known. A detailed description of male and female reproductive organs was made, and sperm were counted in male and female storage organs. Measures of testis and sperm counts were performed in males of various ages and their dynamics was compared to the ovaries of females. Both male and female tracts were long, and consisted of various successive parts. In males, testes fill the vas deferens with mature sperm, that are tangled as 'windrows', and sperm pass successively through a 'studded pipe' and three phallic 'wands' before being transferred to females. In virgin males, mean (± SEM) sperm number increased from approximately 9700 (± 1400, n = 5) to 39600 (± 3470, n = 13) in 20 days, and testes gradually decreased in size, indicating continuous spermatogenesis. Sperm cells are long, more than 3 mm. During copulation, sperm are deposited by phallic 'wands' at the base of each spermatheca in a smooth tube followed by a 'fishnet canal' at the top of which they accumulate before complete storage. They then pass through a ringed canal, an elbow, and a rigid rod strewn with glands, before reaching the spermathecal reservoir. Females store approximately 680 spermatozoa after one mating in each spermathecal reservoir. Such complex sperm storage organs of females may indicate strong female post‐mating selection, and reflect competition for long and numerous sperm in this species, in which female multiple matings are suspected. Besides its economical interest, BSF is an appealing model for further investigations on sexual selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of Diptera are recorded as new for the fauna of Slovakia: Acrocera orbiculus (Fabricius, 1787) (Acroceridae), Conops insignis Loew, 1848 (Conopidae), Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Stratiomyidae), and Tolmerus cowini (Hobby, 1946) (Asilidae). The specimens were collected by means of Malaise trap, yellow pan trap, and sweep nets, in the years 2019-2022. Our findings highlight the value of the Danube floodplain from a conservation point of view. The appearance of H. illucens in Bratislava fits well with what is known about this synanthropic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the fauna of Stratiomyidae from the Gevne Valley (Konya, Hadim-Taşkent), Turkey, collected between 2019-2020. Chloromyia speciosa (Macquart, 1834), Oplodontha viridula (Fabricius, 1775), Oxycera meigenii Staeger, 1844, Oxycera quadrilineata Üstüner and Hasbenli, 2007, Pycnomalla splendens (Fabricius, 1787), Stratiomys cenisia Meigen, 1822, Stratiomys chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758) and Stratiomys ruficornis (Macquart, 1838) are recorded for the first time from the Gevne Valley. The distribution of the species in the Palaearctic Region is discussed. Photographs of all species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), is a saprophagous species used to decompose organic matter. This study proposes a distribution model of H. illucens to illustrate its current and future distribution. The methodology includes data collection from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), complemented with iNaturalist, manual expert curation of occurrence records, six species distribution models algorithms and one ensemble model. The average temperature of the driest annual quarter and the precipitation of the coldest annual quarter were the key variables influencing the potential distribution of H. illucens. The distribution range is estimated to decrease progressively and their suitable habitats could change dramatically in the future due to global warming. On the other hand, current optimal habitats would become uninhabitable for the species, mainly at low latitudes. Under this scenario, the species is projected to move to higher latitudes and elevations in the future. The results of this study provide data on the distribution of H. illucens, facilitating its location, management and sustainable use in current and future scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hermetia illucens is a sustainable and an increasingly bioeconomical source of nutrients for farm animals. It is still necessary, however, to improve our knowledge of the biological features of this species in order to maximize its use. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effect of the energy level of rearing diets on its body weight and fat-body reserves. The quantity and quality of the fats storred by the non-feeding stages of this insect and its reproductive performances were also studied. A control diet (CD - Gainesville diet) and three diets with progressively greater energy contents (kcal/kg ME) were formulated. The increase was achieved by including different amounts of maize, 40% (ED1), 60% (ED2) and 80% (ED3), in these three diets. Abother diet (ED4) consisted of fruit and vegetable waste. The results indicate that the body weight of larvae, prepupae, pupae and adult flies, as well as fat content of the larvae increased significantly (p ˂ 0.01) with increase in the energy content of the diets. There was a positive Pearson correlation between energy content of diets and body weight of adult flies. The heaviest egg clutches with the highest number of eggs/clutch (p ˂ 0.01) were laid by flies reared on the diets with the highest energy content. The quality of the fat stored by larvae did not influence the weight and number of egg laid.

Background The soldier fly subfamily Beridinae in the family Stratiomyidae contains approximately 280 known species, these being distributed across nearly all biogeographical regions with the exception of the polar regions. On the Korean Peninsula, the species diversity of this subfamily has been poorly examined to date, as is reflected in the National species list of Korea by the National Institute of Biological Resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic treatment to genera is provided for the Australian members of the soldier fly subfamily Sarginae. This includes an updated identification key for the Australian genera, along with the diagnosis and illustration of Ptecticus Loew, 1855 and Sargus Fabricius, 1798, and three newly recorded genera: Cephalochrysa Kertész, 1912 (Cephalochrysa gselli (Hill, 1919) comb. nov.), Formosargus James, 1939 and Microchrysa Loew, 1855. Two new species are also described: Formosargus melanogrammus Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov. and Microchrysa wrightae Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov. A new Australian record is presented for Ptecticus longipes (Walker, 1861), also known from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and a taxonomic change is made for Formosargus lineata (de Meijere, 1913) comb. nov., from New Guinea, transferred from its previous position within Chrysochlora Latreille, 1829. Five genera and 10 species of Sarginae are now recognized from Australia.

The developmental stages of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, are widely studied because there are several ways in which this species can be utilized. In this context, the aim of the current study is to determine the loss of weight of larvae of different weights between the prepupal and reproductive adult stages and their effect on the egg clutch quality parameters. The Hermetia illucens prepupae were categorized in 3 body weight classes. The weight loss was evaluated by weighing individuals in the prepupal, pupal and adult stages. The weight and length of the individuals were positively correlated in the pupal stage and adult females. There were significant losses of weight (P = 0.000) in the prepupal, pupal and adult stages in all three weight classes. In each weight class the relationship between weights was significant (P = 0.000) for all development stages. The results clearly indicate that the largest larvae of Hermetia illucens produced the adults with the best clutch quality parameters and the existence of significant positive correlations between body weight and both weight loss and the egg clutch quality parameters.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae are used to upcycle biowaste into insect biomass for animal feed. Previous research on black soldier fly has explored the assimilation of dietary fatty acids (FAs), but endogenous FA synthesis and modification remain comparatively unexplored. This study presents a 1H/2H-NMR methodology for measuring lipid synthesis in black soldier fly larvae using diluted deuterated water (2H2O) as a stable isotopic tracer delivered through the feeding media. This approach was validated by measuring 2H incorporation into the larvae's body water and consequent labelling of FA esterified into triacylglycerols. A 5% 2H enrichment in the body water, adequate to label the FA, is achieved after 24 h in a substrate with 10% 2H2O. A standard feeding trial using an invasive macroalgae was designed to test this method, revealing de novo lipogenesis was lower in larvae fed with macroalgae, probably related to the poor nutritional value of the diet., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2024. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)

Hermetia illucens is a sustainable and an increasingly bioeconomical source of nutrients for farm animals. It is still necessary, however, to improve our knowledge of the biological features of this species in order to maximize its use. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effect of the energy level of rearing diets on its body weight and fat-body reserves. The quantity and quality of the fats storred by the non-feeding stages of this insect and its reproductive performances were also studied. A control diet (CD - Gainesville diet) and three diets with progressively greater energy contents (kcal/kg ME) were formulated. The increase was achieved by including different amounts of maize, 40% (ED1), 60% (ED2) and 80% (ED3), in these three diets. Abother diet (ED4) consisted of fruit and vegetable waste. The results indicate that the body weight of larvae, prepupae, pupae and adult flies, as well as fat content of the larvae increased significantly (p = 0.01) with increase in the energy content of the diets. There was a positive Pearson correlation between energy content of diets and body weight of adult flies. The heaviest egg clutches with the highest number of eggs/clutch (p = 0.01) were laid by flies reared on the diets with the highest energy content. The quality of the fat stored by larvae did not influence the weight and number of egg laid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), has potential to promote sustainable food production, and is environmentally friendly through organic waste upcycling. The objective of this study was to determine the digestive enzyme activities and chemical composition of BSF larvae of 6, 12, and 18 days old at various substrate pH and temperature conditions during ontogenic development. Cellulase and chymotrypsin‐like protease (C) activities declined slightly with age, whereas a sharp increase in lipase activity was found with age. High levels of amylase, trypsin‐like protease (T), trehalase, and T/C ratio were present in 12‐day‐old BSF, with a gradual decrease in 18‐day‐old BSF. The highest crude protein and lipid levels were observed at 6 and 18 days of age, respectively. In conclusion, the activities of the various types of enzymes illustrate the polyphagous nature of BSF. Most of the digestive enzymes had high activity at an early age and then dropped at the end of the larval stage; however, the opposite trend was observed in lipase activity, with a high level of fat accumulation in the last stage of larval development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is the most promising insect candidate for nutrient-recycling through bioconversion of organic waste into biomass, thereby improving sustainability of protein supplies for animal feed and facilitating transition to a circular economy. Contrary to conventional livestock, genetic resources of farmed insects remain poorly characterised. We present the first comprehensive population genetic characterisation of H. illucens. Based on 15 novel microsatellite markers, we genotyped and analysed 2862 individuals from 150 wild and captive populations originating from 57 countries on seven subcontinents. Results: We identified 16 well-distinguished genetic clusters indicating substantial global population structure. The data revealed genetic hotspots in central South America and successive northwards range expansions within the indigenous ranges of the Americas. Colonisations and naturalisations of largely unique genetic profiles occurred on all non-native continents, either preceded by demographically independent founder events from various single sources or involving admixture scenarios. A decisive primarily admixed Polynesian bridgehead population serially colonised the entire Australasian region and its secondarily admixed descendants successively mediated invasions into Africa and Europe. Conversely, captive populations from several continents traced back to a single North American origin and exhibit considerably reduced genetic diversity, although some farmed strains carry distinct genetic signatures. We highlight genetic footprints characteristic of progressing domestication due to increasing socio-economic importance of H. illucens, and ongoing introgression between domesticated strains globally traded for large-scale farming and wild populations in some regions. Conclusions: We document the dynamic population genetic history of a cosmopolitan dipteran of South American origin shaped by striking geographic patterns. These reflect both ancient dispersal routes, and stochastic and heterogeneous anthropogenic introductions during the last century leading to pronounced diversification of worldwide structure of H. illucens. Upon the recent advent of its agronomic commercialisation, however, current human-mediated translocations of the black soldier fly largely involve genetically highly uniform domesticated strains, which meanwhile threaten the genetic integrity of differentiated unique local resources through introgression. Our in-depth reconstruction of the contemporary and historical demographic trajectories of H. illucens emphasises benchmarking potential for applied future research on this emerging model of the prospering insect-livestock sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During weaning, piglets experience concurrent social, physical, and nutritional stressors. Consequently, piglets often have poor feed intake and display increased oral manipulative behaviours post-weaning, indicative of compromised welfare. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) possess many attractive properties for pigs and could therefore function as effective edible enrichment, potentially alleviating weaning stress by facilitating exploration and promoting feed intake. In this study, pairs of piglets received a small amount of either live BSFL or wood shavings (8 pens/treatment) scattered throughout the pen twice a day for 11 days after weaning. Home-pen behaviour was scored by instantaneous scan sampling on day 2, 5 and 8, and behavioural responses to a novel environment and novel object were scored on day 10/11. Performance-related parameters were observed regularly. Larvae provisioning increased floor-directed exploration and decreased object-directed exploration, pig-directed oral manipulation, fighting and eating of pellets, and reduced neophobia towards a novel object. Pellet intake was significantly decreased by BSFL provisioning during day 4–11 post-weaning, although feed and net energy intake including BSFL never differed between treatments. BSFL provisioning did not influence piglet growth, feed efficiency, energy efficiency, and faecal consistency. To conclude, live BSFL provisioning positively affected post-weaning piglet behaviour while maintaining performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study systematically catalogues all known taxa of the family Stratiomyidae in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It is one in a series of planned studies aiming to catalogue the whole order in both countries. New information Twenty species, belonging to seven genera and three subfamilies (Pachygastrinae, Stratiomyinae and Nemotelinae), are treated. One of these genera, Oplodontha and two species, Oplodontha pulchriceps Loew and Oxycera turcica Üstüner & Hasbenli, are recorded herein for the first time from Saudi Arabia. A lectotype for Nemotelus matrouhensis Mohammad et al., 2009 is designated. An updated classification, synonymies, type localities, world and local distributions, dates of collection and some coloured photographs are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Substrate quality affects costs of growth and maintenance in BSF larvae. • Substrate quality affects growth pattern and specific growth rate of BSF larvae. • Substrate quality affects net growth efficiency of BSF larvae. • Metabolic performance affects feed conversion into new biomass in BSF larvae. We have measured growth and respiration in black soldier fly (BSF) larvae fed with mixtures of a low-quality substrate (degassed sludge, DS), and a high-quality substrate (chicken feed, CF) in order to elucidate how substrate quality affect larval metabolism and feed conversion into new biomass. The BSF larvae grew faster and became larger the higher the content of CF was in the substrate. Growth followed a sigmoidal curve from where the specific growth rate was determined and compared to measured specific respiration rates, in order to estimate costs of growth, maintenance metabolism, rates of feed assimilation, and net growth efficiency. Specific feed assimilation rates were similar on all substrate mixtures. Maximal specific growth rates were also affected only little unless the larvae were grown in pure DS. In contrast, the cost of growth and the maintenance metabolism were larger the higher the proportion of DS was. High specific growth rates were, in addition, sustained for shorter periods of the time the more DS was included in the substrate mixtures. In effect, higher proportions of the assimilated feed were spent on respiratory purposes instead of being converted into larval biomass and the net growth efficiency decreased the more DS was included in the substrate mixtures. We conclude that substrate quality may affect the conversion of feed into new biomass via alterations of the metabolic performance of BSF larvae and thereby the overall performance of BSF larval cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), Adoxomyia hasbenlii sp. nov., is described from Turkey. The characters of the new species were examined and photos are presented, and the species-specific male terminalia is illustrated and compared with related species, Adoxomyia variabilis Krivosheina, 2016, and Adoxomyia ruficornis (Loew, 1873). An identification key to the related species of Adoxomyia is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is a polysaprophagous species originating from the Nearctic, that has been introduced to various countries throughout the world over the past decades. Even though, the fly has been recorded in several parts of the Mediterranean region and southern Africa, to this day its presence from northern Africa is only known from Morocco. The current study provides the first record of the black soldier fly from Algeria, based on photographic material and supplementing data which were extracted from citizen science observations. The provided material depicts the range expansion of the species throughout the coastal area of the country and provides new insight on the current distribution of the insect in the Mediterranean region, as well as in the continent of Africa. In addition, hypotheses on the possible introduction routes of the black soldier fly in the southwestern Mediterranean region are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to control and dispose of human food waste typically rely upon increasing public awareness of the problem and improving retail management practices to mitigate the amount of food thrown away. Food waste becomes an increasingly noticeable problem as the world population continues to grow, creating a host of environmental concerns. A recently executed experiment examined the ability of Hermetia illucens (Family Stratiomyidae and Order Diptera) to decompose household food waste. In previous studies, Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly) has shown promising ability to decompose organic food waste. In our experiment, we intervened in the life cycles of Hermetia illucens larvae by feeding them five separate food groups over a two week timespan: grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, and dairy. By comparing the initial start weight of the larvae and the end weight after the larvae consumed their respective food groups, it was determined that Hermetia illucens larvae decompose fruit, meat, and vegetables most effectively. These findings suggest that Hermetia illucens larvae may be a viable alternative to decompose specific food groups in everyday household environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, research examining the use of microbes as a means to optimize black soldier fly (BSF) growth has explored few taxa. Furthermore, previous research has been done at the benchtop scale, and extrapolating these numbers to industrial scale is questionable. The objectives of this study were to explore the impact of microbes as supplements in larval diets on growth and production of the BSF. Three experiments were conducted to measure the impact of the following on BSF life-history traits on (1) Arthrobacter AK19 supplementation at benchtop scale, (2) Bifidobacterium breve supplementation at benchtop scale, and (3) Arthrobacter AK19 and Rhodococcus rhodochrous 21198 as separate supplements at an industrial scale. Maximum weight, time to maximum weight, growth rate, conversion level of diet to insect biomass, and associated microbial community structure and function were assessed for treatments in comparison to a control. Supplementation with Arthrobacter AK19 at benchtop scale enhanced growth rate by double at select time points and waste conversion by approximately 25–30% with no impact on the microbial community. Predicted gene expression in microbes from Arthrobacter AK19 treatment was enriched for functions involved in protein digestion and absorption. Bifidobacterium breve , on the other hand, had the inverse effect with larvae being 50% less in final weight, experiencing 20% less conversion, and experienced suppression of microbial community diversity. For those tested at the industrial scale, Arthrobacter AK19 and R. rhodochrous 21198 did not impact larval growth differently as both resulted in approximately 22% or more greater growth than those in the control. Waste conversion with the bacteria was similar to that recorded for the control. Diets treated with the supplemental bacteria showed increased percent difference in predicted genes compared to control samples for functions involved in nutritional assimilation (e.g., protein digestion and absorption, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism). Through these studies, it was demonstrated that benchtop and industrial scale results can differ. Furthermore, select microbes can be used at an industrial scale for optimizing BSF larval production and waste conversion, while others cannot. Thus, targeted microbes for such practices should be evaluated prior to implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many eye‐catching and undescribed species of Australian soldier flies have been collected but left undiagnosed in entomological collections. We describe Opaluma Lessard & Woodley gen. nov., a new genus of iridescent soldier fly endemic to Australia from the subfamily Antissinae, and provide an updated key to the five Australian antissine genera. Seven new species are described and illustrated herein, along with an identification key to all known species. The new species are Opaluma ednae Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov., O. fabulosa Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov., O. iridescens Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov., O. opulens Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov., O. rupaul Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov., O. sapphira Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov. and O. unicornis Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov. All but one are known from locations directly impacted by the recent 2019/2020 spring and summer Australian bushfires. Now that the new species are formally named and described, they may be included in future bushfire recovery monitoring programs. Eight genera of Antissinae are now recognised in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), bio‐convert organic side streams into high‐quality biomass, the composition of which largely depends on the side stream used. In the present study, BSF larvae were reared on feed substrates composed of dried brewers' spent grains, each supplemented with either water, waste brewer's yeast, or a mixture of waste brewer's yeast and cane molasses to obtain 12 different substrates: barley/water, barley/yeast, barley/yeast/molasses, malted barley/water, malted barley/yeast, malted barley/yeast/molasses, malted corn/water, malted corn/yeast, malted corn/yeast/molasses, sorghum‐barley/water, sorghum‐barley/yeast, and sorghum‐barley/yeast/molasses. The crude protein, fat, ash, and mineral contents of the BSF larvae fed each feed substrate were quantified by chemical analyses. The effect of substrate, supplementation, and their interaction on crude protein, fat, and ash contents of BSF larval body composition was significant. Calcium, phosphorus, and potassium were the most abundant macrominerals in the larvae and their concentrations differed significantly among substrates. These findings provide important information to support the use of BSF larval meal as potential new source of nutrient‐rich and sustainable animal feed ingredients to substitute expensive and scarce protein sources such as fishmeal and soya bean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soldier fly [BSF; Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)] larvae are very effective in transforming low‐grade food waste into valuable high‐end proteins and fat, in intensive production facilities. The production output of this species is growing quickly, but upscaling brings risks to the health status of the reared insects. Until now, not a single major case of disease outbreak caused by a pathogen in a BSF production unit has been reported. This contrasts with data on other species of mass‐produced insects, which have experienced various disease outbreaks, indicating that BSFs are comparatively resistant to insect diseases. Further, there are no records of natural infections caused by entomopathogens in BSF. In this review, the known entomopathogens of Diptera, especially BSF, and their potential risks for causing disease in these insects are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developmental stages of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, are widely studied because there are several ways in which this species can be utilized. In this context, the aim of the current study is to determine the loss of weight of larvae of different weights between the prepupal and reproductive adult stages and their effect on the egg clutch quality parameters. The Hermetia illucens prepupae were categorized in 3 body weight classes. The weight loss was evaluated by weighing individuals in the prepupal, pupal and adult stages. The weight and length of the individuals were positively correlated in the pupal stage and adult females. There were significant losses of weight (P = 0.000) in the prepupal, pupal and adult stages in all three weight classes. In each weight class the relationship between weights was significant (P = 0.000) for all development stages. The results clearly indicate that the largest larvae of Hermetia illucens produced the adults with the best clutch quality parameters and the existence of signifi cant positive correlations between body weight and both weight loss and the egg clutch quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic treatment to genera is provided for the Australian members of the soldier fly subfamily Sarginae. This includes an updated identification key for the Australian genera, along with the diagnosis and illustration of Ptecticus Loew, 1855 and Sargus Fabricius, 1798, and three newly recorded genera: Cephalochrysa Kertész, 1912 (Cephalochrysa gselli (Hill, 1919) comb. nov.), Formosargus James, 1939 and Microchrysa Loew, 1855. Two new species are also described: Formosargus melanogrammus Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov. and Microchrysa wrightae Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov. A new Australian record is presented for Ptecticus longipes (Walker, 1861), also known from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and a taxonomic change is made for Formosargus lineata (de Meijere, 1913) comb. nov., from New Guinea, transferred from its previous position within Chrysochlora Latreille, 1829. Five genera and 10 species of Sarginae are now recognized from Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is gaining attention as an efficient decomposer of food waste. However, recalcitrant compounds such as plastics mixed into food waste may have negative effects on its growth and survival. Moreover, its efficiency of food waste degradation may also be affected by plastics. In addition, salt (NaCl) can also be present in high concentrations, which also reduces the efficiency of H. illucens-mediated food waste treatment. In this study, we assessed the growth of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) reared on food waste containing polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) and NaCl. The weight of BSFL was measured every 2–4 days. Survival and substrate reduction rates and pupation ratio were determined at the end of the experiment. Results: The total larval weight of Hermetia illucens reared on food waste containing PS was greater than that of the control on days 20 and 24. However, the survival rate was lower in the group treated with 5% PS, as was substrate reduction in all PS-treated groups. The weight of BSFL reared on food waste containing PE was lower than that of the control on day 6. PE in food waste did not affect the survival rate, but the pupation ratio increased and substrate consumption decreased with increasing PE concentrations. Regardless of the plastic type, the addition of NaCl resulted in decreased larval weight and pupation ratio. Conclusions: Larval growth of black soldier fly was inhibited not by plastics but by substrate salinity. Additional safety assessments of larvae reared on food waste containing impurities are needed to enable wider application of BSFL in vermicomposting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wetland habitats created within the area of sugar factory sedimentation basins on the periphery of the Opava city (Czech Republic: Silesia) proved to be a secondary refuge of water-associated soldierflies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), all of which had already disappeared from the surrounding agricultural landscape. A total of 12 species (9 with aquicolous larvae) have been recorded. Five species belong to endangered taxa in the Czech Republic, three being classified as vulnerable and two, Odontomyia angulata (Panzer 1798) and Odontomyia annulata (Meigen 1822) even as regionally extinct species. It is suggested that the impact of the sugar industry (sedimentation of waste water and sludge) positively influenced the water regime (by adding water) and chemistry (by increasing pH and Ca+ concentration in the water) of the area. These circumstances combined with the presence of abandoned basins and adjacent sedge marsh and flowering meadow constituted ideal conditions for breeding of jeopardized soldierflies with aquatic larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of Parastratiosphecomyia szechuanensis Lindner, 1954 was sequenced and analyzed in this study. The mitochondrial genome is 16,414 bp in length, including the 37 typical insect mitochondrial genes and a large control region. All PCGs end with complete termination codon TAA or TAG. Most PCGs initiated by standard start codon ATN, except for cox1 which starts with TCG. The phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequence data of 13 PCGs recovered the monophyly of Stratiomyidae and the sister relationship between Xylomyidae and Stratiomyidae.

Based on collected specimens from the Narowal, Rawalpindi and Jhelum districts of (Punjab Province) Pakistan, three species were recognised in two genera, under the subfamily Stratiomyinae (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Odontomyia ochropa Thomson, 1869, Oplodontha minuta (Fabricius, 1794) and Oplodontha rubrithorax (Macquart, 1838) are recorded for the first time from Pakistan. Photographs, diagnostic characters, descriptions, geographical distributions and identification keys of the described species are provided.

The Indian soldierfly fauna is rich and diverse, yet it is poorly studied as most species were described in the 19th century. Soldierflies, like most other organisms, especially in developing nations such as India, have been largely overlooked in recent times. In this study, we present an inventory of all names so far validly published in Indian Stratiomyidae. Synonyms, notes about type localities, depositories, and distribution are included. The study revealed that the soldierfly species list from India comprises 84 valid species, distributed in 35 genera and 7 subfamilies. The present study provides a synopsis of the regional taxonomical work carried out until now, and can serve as a baseline survey for future studies. The study indicates that most areas of the vast Indian territory are unexplored for soldierflies, and perhaps the majority of the soldierflies in India still remain discovered.

La mosca soldado Exaireta spinigera (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) es originaria de Australia y se introdujo en Hawái, América del Norte y se está extendiendo rápidamente por Europa. Comentamos el conocimiento sobre su presencia en Italia y publicamos los primeros registros de Sicilia. El conocimiento existente sobre la llegada y distribución de esta especie en Italia se fundamenta exclusivamente en datos proporcionados por ciudadanos a través de foros de internet y grupos de Facebook sobre biodiversidad, que así han demostrado ser una ayuda útil para la difícil detección de especies invasoras.