Oviposition site preference in Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), in Artificial Rearing System

Abstract

In natural conditions, the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), colonizes in warm temperate regions, and is active in Korea from May through October. Information on black soldier fly rearing, which is affected by seasonal factors in Korea, is limited. This species colonizes and oviposits in a wide variety of decomposing vegetable and animal matter. For mass rearing of black soldier flies, the egg deposition methods are dependent on sunlight and oviposition sites. In this study, we investigated the substrates and oviposition sites preferred by black soldier fly in artificial rearing system. Our results showed that as black soldier flies prefer mating under sunlight, they prefer ovipositing at sites where adequate sunlight and food substrate are available. Further detailed research is required to develop methods for artificially rearing black soldier fly throughout the year in Korea.