Soldierfly Larva (Black Soldier Fly)
Hermetia illucens
low risk
beneficial_insect
Overview
Larvae are remarkable decomposers used commercially for composting food waste and producing animal feed. Adults do not feed.
Adults 15-20mm, resemble a wasp, black with two translucent windows near abdomen. Larvae 25mm, flat, grey.
Prevention Strategies
- •No control needed - actively encourage in compost systems
Control Methods
- •No control needed - commercially farmed for bioconversion
Interesting Facts
- •Commercial black soldier fly farms convert food waste into high-protein animal feed
- •Larvae can consume their weight in organic waste daily
- •Naturally replace and deter house flies in manure and compost
- •Used in aquaculture as fish feed, reducing need for wild-caught fishmeal