D3003: Evaluation of life cycle, behavior, and nutritional value of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) on varied diets

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Jacquez Robert Daniels (he/him/his)

Graduate Assistant Student
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida

Co-Author(s)

Anamika Sharma (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida
Alexander Gaffke

Postdoctoral Researcher
USDA-ARS
Tallahassee, Florida
AA

Ayodeji Aderibigbe

Assistant Professor
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida
LK

Lambert Kanga

Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida

Black soldier flies, Hermetia illucens, (BSF) are beneficial insects. BSF adults are nonfeeding and larvae are detritivores found in various decaying organic matter. These insects have been gaining attention due to their usefulness in recycling organic waste and generating animal feed. Two hundred–300 billion black soldier flies are reared as protein for farmed animal and pet feed across the globe, and the industry is expected to grow. BSFs are anticipated to become the most farmed insect species in the next decade and could contribute to the food security. In this project, we are studying the optimal rearing conditions of BSF in local conditions of North Florida. We will also analyze adult female behavior towards the most attractive diet. We plan to analyze the nutritional quality of BSF reared on different diets.