Black Soldier Fly Hermetia Illucens Research Articles

Growth performance and survival rate of of Pontastacus leptodactylus juvenile fed with fresh black soldier fly Hermetia illucens, and mealworm Tenebrio molitor larvae

In this study, the survival, growth performance, of crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus juvenile were evaluated when fed with five different diets. These diets were conducted CF: commercial feed, Hİ: Fresh Hermetia illucens, CF+Hİ; 50% commercial feed + 50% fresh Hermetia illucens, TM: Fresh Tenebrio molitor, CF+TM: 50% commercial feed + 50% fresh Tenebrio molitor. The experiment lasted for 60 days. The results showed that the survival rate, final body weight, and weight gain were negatively correlated fresh BSF and TM diets. All individuals fed only with BSF and TM diets died in approximately 30th days of the experiment. The final weight, FCR, molting rate and survival rate of crayfish fed with dietary treatment diets were determined significant differences on the 30th day (P < 0.05). The crayfish fed with CF+BSFL and CF+TM diets were similar weight, FCR, molting rate, single cheliped injury, and the control group on the 30th day and 60th day. However, the highest survival rate was observed in crayfish fed with CF diet, CF+BSFL and CF+TM groups followed this group on the 60th day. As a result, TM and BSF diets given fresh alone showed negative results on growth and survival rate in crayfish larvae. By decreasing 50% commercial feeds and using as supplementary feed of TM and BSF larvae can show similar growth as the control group. However, supplemented 50% rate TM to commercial diets cannot be recommended due to reduced survival rates. Fresh BSF can be given to P. astacus larvae by reducing commercial feed by 50% without affecting the survival rate and growth.

Wild black soldier flies, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): Seasonal availability and life history traits in two common organic streams in Bangladesh

The black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is a “crown jewel” in waste management because it rapidly bioconverts organic streams into nutrient-rich biomass. Bangladesh's inefficient waste management has caused serious environmental issues due to the massive amounts of organic waste, mainly livestock manures and municipal organic waste, generated daily. We need reliable BSF to maximize our organic resources. To establish a long-term, stable BSF colony, we closely examined the seasonal abundance and life cycle features of BSF raised on municipal garbage and poultry manure in a regional natural environment in the lab. This investigation lasted two years (2019–2020). Season and raising substrates affected wild BSF egg clutches and life cycles. Organic waste dumps captured the most egg clutches in rainy seasons and the fewest in cooler months. Municipal rubbish dumps consistently produced wilder BSF egg clutches than poultry manure dumpsites. The BSF larvae grew slower in winter and faster in the rainy season, independent of substrate. Winter was optimal for adult BSF longevity in all organic streams. Winter cultivated wild BSF on two organic streams exhibited fewer egg clutches per female, shorter and lighter prepupae, and lower adult ecolosion rates than wetter months. While BSF given municipal organic wastes had the highest adult ecolosion rates, BSF fed poultry manure had more variation in prepupae length and weight, adult lifespan, and egg clutches. Larval development was faster with poultry manure BSF than with municipal organic waste. The protein and ash content of prepupae rearing on poultry manure exceeded those of prepupae on urban organic waste, although fat content was equivalent. These findings indicate that both types of organic streams may be suitable substrates for BSF larvae for trash treatment.

The armoured cuticle of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens

We characterise in detail the larval and pupal cuticle of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a key insect species in circular economy. In particular, we focus on ultrastructure using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, material characterization and composition (elements and minerals) with confocal laser scanning microscope, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, powder X-ray diffraction and mechanical properties with nanoindentation measurements. Calcium carbonate crystallizes on the epicuticle as blocks of calcite in the pupal cuticle. Calcium carbonate granules are stored in two specialised Malpighian tubules. CaCO3 is already present in the cuticle of young larval instars, but it is mainly in the form of amorphous calcium carbonate while the amount of calcite increases during larval development. The presence of calcite leads to cuticle hardening. Larval and pupal cuticles contain large amounts of resilin which guarantee cuticle flexibility.

Evaluation of Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens as Food for Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle Coleomegilla maculata.

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.

The Role of Organic Waste Feed Combination on Growth Rate and Nutrient Content of Hermetia Illucens Larvae

The amount of organic waste is increasing along with the increase in population. The problem of organic waste can be overcome by the bioconversion method using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens larvae. This study aims to analyze the effect of combination feed with differences on the major nutrient content on survival rate, growth rate, feed consumption, Waster Reduction Index (WRI), Efficiency of Conversion of Digested Feed (ECDF), and nutritional content of BSF larvae. The feed given are fish offal (high in fat), tofu pulp (high in protein), and banana peel (high in hemicelulose) with a ratio of 2:1:1, 1:2:1, 1:1:2, and 1:1:1. Feed combination 1:1:2 has the highest value of growth rate (3.47 mg/larva/day), feed consumption (25,76%), WRI (0,42%/day), ECDF (12.91%) and survival rate (81,38%). BSF larvae is potential to be used as alternative animal feed because they contain high levels of protein.

Influence of Temperature on the Development of Black Soldier Fly <i>Hermetia illucens</i>

Black soldier fly Hermetia illucens L (Stratiomyidae: Diptera) was raised on a diet of rice bran and groundnut oil cakes at different temperatures (20± 2, 24± 2, and 27± 2°C) with a relative humidity of 75.5%; lifecycle was found to be the shortest at 27± 2°C, and adult longevity increased by two days. Also, there was a higher survival rate for larvae, prepupae, pupae and adults, and the fecundity and hatchability increased at this temperature.

The Development of New Methods to Stimulate the Production of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Larvae of the Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens.

(1) The global population is projected to reach a staggering 9.8 billion people by the year 2050, leading to major concerns about food security. The necessity to increase livestock production is inevitable. The black soldier fly (BSF) is known for its ability to consume a wide range of organic waste, and BSF larvae have already been used as a partial substitute for fishmeal. In contrast, the use of antibiotics in livestock feed for growth promotion and prophylaxis poses a severe threat to global health owing to antimicrobial resistance. Insect antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown the potential to rapidly disrupt target bacterial membranes, making bacterial resistance to AMPs a less likely concern. (2) In this study, we explored various methods for stimulating AMP synthesis in BSF larvae and found that thermal injury effectively induced the production of various AMP types. Additionally, we investigated the activation of innate immune response pathways that lead to AMP production following thermal injury. (3) Interestingly, thermal injury treatment, although not involving bacteria, exhibited a similar response to that observed following Gram-positive bacterial infection in eliciting the expression of AMP genes. (4) Our findings offer support for the industrial use of BSF to enhance livestock production and promote environmental health.

Bokashi fermentation of brewery’s spent grains positively affects larval performance of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens while reducing gaseous nitrogen losses

Digestion of waste feedstocks by larvae of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) (BSF) results in proteins for animal feed and organic fertilizer with a reduced environmental footprint, but it can still have negative environmental effects through greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia (NH3) emissions. Both biomass conversion by BSF larvae and associated GHG and NH3 emissions can depend on substrate properties that may be optimized through microbial inoculation pre-treatments, such as bokashi fermentation. Here, we quantified the effects of bokashi fermentation of brewery’s spent grains on BSF rearing metrics and associated GHG and NH3 emissions at benchtop scale. We found that bokashi fermentation increased larval biomass by 40% and shortened development time by over two days on average, compared with unfermented spent grains. In line with increased larval growth, CO2 emissions in BSF larvae treatments were 31.0 and 79.0% higher in the bokashi fermented spent grains and Gainesville substrates, respectively, compared to the unfermented spent grains. Adding BSF larvae to the spent grains increased cumulative N2O emissions up to 64.0 mg N2O kg substratedry-1 but there were essentially no N2O emissions when larvae were added to fermented spent grains. Bokashi fermentation also reduced NH3 fluxes from the volatilization of substrate nitrogen in the BSF larvae treatment by 83.7-85.8% during days 7 and 9, possibly by increasing N assimilation by larvae or by reducing the transformation of substrate NH4+ to NH3. Therefore, bokashi fermentation may be applied to improve performance of BSF larvae on a common industrial waste stream and reduce associated emissions.

Hymenopteran parasitoids of black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in chicken farms with two new species from India

Hymenopteran parasitoids of the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae), are recorded from southern India. Two new species, Calyoza hermetiae Binoy, & Colombo sp. nov. (Bethylidae, Epyrinae) and Eniacomorpha bouceki Binoy sp. nov. (Chalcididae, Dirhininae) are described and illustrated. Spalangia cameroni Perkins, S. obscura Bouček and S. simplex Perkins (Spalangiidae, Spalangiinae) and Dirhinus anthracia Walker (Chalcididae, Dirhininae) are also reported from BSF and are diagnosed and illustrated. A key to the hymenopteran parasitoids of BSF respectively belonging to Bethylidae (1 sp.), Chalcididae (4 spp.), Diapriidae (1 sp.), Spalangiidae (3 spp.), is provided. This study forms the first record of a host for Calyoza. Finally, the negative impact of these parasitoid assemblages on BSL is discussed.

Preference of black soldier fly larvae for feed substrate previously colonised by conspecific larvae

AbstractThe black soldier fly Hermetia illucens Linnaeus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae; BSF) is gaining interest as an alternative protein ingredient for livestock feed. Larval aggregation behaviour occurs commonly in larvae of various dipteran species. However, the cues initiating aggregation behaviour and its occurrence in subsequent larval instars are still unknown in BSF larvae. Here, we focus on understanding the attraction of larvae to cues left behind in the substrate by conspecific larvae. We developed a dual‐choice test in the dark and examined the preference behaviour of different instars with the use of video recordings. Larval choices were identified based on first substrate contact, cumulative number of substrate contacts, entry of the substrate and number of larvae present in a substrate over time. Our results demonstrate that BSF larvae discriminated between similar substrates with or without cues released by conspecifics, with a strong preference for previously colonised substrates. Our results also showed a difference in behaviour between head‐capsule classes. Substrate contacts occurred more frequently in larvae from a lower head‐capsule class and the number of larvae present in a substrate over time differed between the head‐capsule classes 0.71–0.80 mm and 0.91–1.00 mm. Demonstrating arrestment in response to chemical cues from conspecifics is the first step of understanding aggregation behaviour of BSF larvae and offers opportunities to identify the chemical cues involved.

Enhancement of fruit byproducts through bioconversion by Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).

Bioconversion is a biological process by which organic materials are converted into products with higher biological and commercial value. During its larval stage the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens is extremely voracious and can feed on a wide variety of organic materials. To study the impact of different fruit byproducts on the insect's growth, final larval biomass, substrate reduction, bioconversion parameters, and larval nutritional composition, 10 000 black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) were reared on 7.0 kg of one of three substrates (strawberry, tangerine, or orange) or on a standard diet as a control. The results highlight that BSFL can successfully feed and grow on each of these diets, though their development time, growth rate, and final biomass were differently impacted by the substrates, with strawberry being the most suitable. The lipid and protein contents of BSFL were similar among larvae fed on different substrates; however, major differences were detected in ash, micronutrient, fiber, fatty acid, and amino acid contents. Overall, the results indicate that fruit waste management through the BSFL bioconversion process represents a commercially promising resource for regional and national agrifood companies. Our study offers new perspectives for sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial development by which fruit byproducts or waste might be disposed of or unconventionally enhanced to create secondary products of high biological and economic value, including BSFL biomass as animal feed or, in perspective, as alternative protein source for human nutrition.

Effectiveness of breeding larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens Linnaeus, 1758) on bran substrate

The black soldier fly Hermetia illucens breeding began in the 90s of the 20 century and was considered as an ecological solution for turning agricultural waste into a protein-rich organic compound. Two problems can be solved by breeding flies: firstly, agricultural and food waste is disposed of in an ecological way, and secondly, valuable protein raw materials are obtained. Through this technology, the shortage of important nutritional components for the aquaculture and poultry sector will be eliminated. In addition, this component is very close to the content of fish meal, which is deficient in composition, and can be used instead of fish meal within the specified amount. The advantages of this component are that the product reaches mass within 10 days and can be preserved by drying. The decrease in the price of this product, mainly due to the utilization of agricultural waste, shows that this product is promising. Today, the black soldier fly has been cultivated in Uzbekistan, and the technology of cultivation in bran has been mastered. In the conditions of Uzbekistan, the cultivation process requires scientifically based information in order to determine which feed substrate is cheap and convenient. The conducted research is aimed at determining the growth and nutritional coefficient of bran and the development cycle and cost of this nutritional substrate. The article presents information from tests on raising black soldier fly hatchlings on bran nourishment substrate. Based on the information gotten, the timing of the advancement of larvae within the bran item, as well as the wholesome esteem of the bran, were indicated.

Ecosystem services of soil predatory mites depend on a functional soil food web

Species of soil predatory mites feed on a diverse diet making them excellent candidates for conservation biological control programs. Free living nematodes (FLNs) are commonly found in soils at all trophic levels and serve as prey for many soil predatory mites (SPMs) in a functional soil food web. Here we present highlights of two case studies and the preliminary results of one ongoing study, all with the common aim of improving the conservation of soil predatory mites for the control of soil pests. In the first study, we used Macrocheles embersoni for housefly control (Azevedo et al., 2019), in the second, Stratiolaelaps scimitus for the control of the root knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita (Azevedo et al., 2020), and in the third, we use frass of black soldier fly Hermetia illucens as an organic amendment for harnessing the local soil food web for the control of RKN. In the first two studies, complementing the diet of predatory mites with the FLN Rhabditella axei in their culture medium resulted in higher predator abundance and better biological control, compared to the negative control and the release of predators without FLNs and microbiota. In the third study the effect of the soil amendment on soil biota and RKN control differed among soils. We expect that soil amendments alter biocontrol efficacy, and that these effects are dependent on the biodiversity of soil biota as well as abiotic soil properties, and that caring for soils is a pre-requisite for successful conservation biological control.

GIS-based multi-criteria territorial suitability assessment for insect farms: a case study for North Italy

Although environmental sustainability and economic feasibility frameworks have been developed to evaluate the impact of insect farms, significant studies on the development of territorial suitability methods specifically tailored to insect production have not yet been performed. This work proposes a GIS-based multi criteria decision making analysis to evaluate the suitability of a territory to the installation of insect farms. A case study developed specifically for black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (HI) insect farms in Emilia-Romagna region (North Italy) is presented. This is an area which, due to its agro-industrial nature and the consequent large production of related waste and by-products, is an optimal candidate for the installation of insect farms. Nine physical, environmental, and economic criteria were assessed. A raster spatial layer for each criterion was obtained, and their values were standardised. The criteria were weighted using the analytical hierarchical process, based on expert opinion recorded via an online questionnaire. The resulting weights were used to combine the single criterion maps using a weighted linear combination procedure and generate, after reclassification, the final suitability map. This map indicates the areas suitable for insect farms at the local level and provides indications for estimating suitability at regional and provincial level. The results showed that 56.2% of the study area was deemed unsuitable, and 43.8% was determined suitable for an HI insect farm; best locations were found around the main agro-industrial centres of the Po valley. The proposed methodology can be easily adapted to other breeding models, insects or study areas and adds valuable information in the development of guidelines for industrial-scale insect farms.

Development of semi-artificial feed in the larva stage of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

Abstract. Anasya AD, Sugiarto, Mahajoeno E. 2022. Development of semi-artificial feed in the larva stage of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Nusantara Bioscience 14: 188-194. Alternative food sources in fish farming besides pelleted feed are generally used, but many have also used biotic materials, larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.). Maggot stadia larvae have a high protein content of more than 19%, could be mass-produced, are low-priced, and has a fast growth time. Therefore, high levels of protein and nutrients in maggots can be increased through suitable semi-artificial formulations. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional value of the semi-artificial feed recipe given and to determine the effectiveness of the semi-artificial feed recipe in increasing the nutritional value and survival of larvae. Data analysis used qualitative analysis with descriptive analysis method and quantitative analysis by determining the amount of increased nutritional value of H. illucens. The research method was carried out in several stages, including (i) insect rearing obtained 2nd generation of tillers (F2); (ii) manufacture of semi-artificial feed recipes; (iii) calculation of insect survival; (iv) measurement of larval mass weight after treatment; (v) testing of nutritional content value includes water content, fat content and protein content of H. illucens after treatment. Results of the evaluation larval survival after treatment were effective enough 100%, larval instar life phase was between 28-32 days, while the highest increase in the nutritional value of larvae water content was 45.90%, fat content 7.25%, and protein content 45.95%, the average increase in mass weight of larvae was 12.50%.

Substrate and moisture content effects on pupation of the black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

The black soldier fly (BSF)Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is a beneficial insect species of great environmental and economic potential. Previous studies showed that providing a suitable pupation substrate can accelerate BSF pupation and increase pupation rate. However, the effect of substrate moisture content and the possible interactions between substrate type and moisture content on BSF pupation have not been investigated. In this study, we tested the effects of two pupation substrates (vermiculite and wood chips) and nine moisture levels (dry, 18.8, 37.5, 56.3, 75.0, 93.8, 112.5, 131.3, and 150.0%) on BSF pupation rate and depth. Substrate type and moisture content both affected BSF pupation rate and depth. Compared with the ‘no substrate’ treatment, neither substrate reduced BSF prepupal mortality without adding water, but the presence of dry substrate increased pupation rate by more than 8%. Within the range used in this study, moisturising substrates reduced BSF prepupal mortality by up to 88% for vermiculite and 95% for wood chips, and increased pupation rate by up to 9% for vermiculite and 6% for wood chips. In all substrate treatments more than 99% of the pupae were found in the top 4 cm, and more than 85% were found in the top 2 cm depth. The tendency of BSF to pupate deeper than 2 cm depended on substrate type and moisture content, and the effect of moisture content on pupation depth followed a parabolic trend. Based on our data, the proportions of BSF pupae presenting deeper than 2 cm would be the highest when the moisture content is around 20% for vermiculite and 70% for wood chips. Our results provide clues for selecting suitable substrate, moisture content, and substrate depth to facilitate BSF pupation.

Morphofunctional characterization of hemocytes in black soldier fly larvae.

In insects, the cell-mediated immune response involves an active role of hemocytes in phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation. Although these processes have been well documented in multiple species belonging to different insect orders, information concerning the immune response, particularly the hemocyte types and their specific function in the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens, is still limited. This is a serious gap in knowledge given the high economic relevance of H.illucens larvae in waste management strategies and considering that the saprophagous feeding habits of this dipteran species have likely shaped its immune system to efficiently respond to infections. The present study represents the first detailed characterization of black soldier fly hemocytes and provides new insights into the cell-mediated immune response of this insect. In particular, in addition to prohemocytes, we identified five hemocyte types that mount the immune response in the larva, and analyzed their behavior, role, and morphofunctional changes in response to bacterial infection and injection of chromatographic beads. Our results demonstrate that the circulating phagocytes in black soldier fly larvae are plasmatocytes. These cells also take part in nodulation and encapsulation with granulocytes and lamellocyte-like cells, developing a starting core for nodule/capsule formation to remove/encapsulate large bacterial aggregates/pathogens from the hemolymph, respectively. These processes are supported by the release of melanin precursors from crystal cells and likely by mobilizing nutrient reserves in newly circulating adipohemocytes, which could thus trophically support other hemocytes during the immune response. Finally, the regulation of the cell-mediated immune response by eicosanoids was investigated.

Comparison of protein extraction protocols and allergen mapping from black soldier fly Hermetia illucens

Exploration of important insect proteins — including allergens — and proteomes can be limited by protein extraction buffer selection and the complexity of the proteome. Herein, LC-MS/MS-based proteomics experiments were used to assess the protein extraction efficiencies for a suite of extraction buffers and the effect of ingredient processing on proteome and allergen detection. Discovery proteomics revealed that SDS-based buffer yields the maximum number of protein groups from three types of BSF samples. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that buffer composition and ingredient processing could influence allergen detection. Upon applying multi-level filtering criteria, 33 putative allergens were detected by comparing the detected BSF proteins to sequences from public allergen protein databases. A targeted LC-MRM-MS assay was developed for the pan-allergen tropomyosin and used to assess the influence of buffer composition and ingredient processing using peptide abundance measurements. SignificanceWe demonstrated that the selection of protein extraction buffer and the processing method could influence protein yield and cross-reactive allergen detection from processed and un-processed black soldier fly (BSF) samples. In total, 33 putative allergens were detected by comparing the detected BSF proteins to sequences from public allergen protein databases. An LC-MRM-MS assay was developed for tropomyosin, indicating the importance of buffer selection and processing conditions to reduce BSF samples' allergenicity.

Optimization of the production of black soldier flies Hermetia Illucens by controlling biological parameters in Côte d'Ivoire

This study was conducted at the ENS vivarium located at the UFHB of Cocody in the city of Abidjan in the south of Ivory Coast, with a temperature of about 28° C and a humidity of about 70%. It aimed to study some biological parameters of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens. For achieve this goal, it was a question of studying the different stages of development of the black soldier fly and also studying the evolution of its growth parameters. The flies were captured, kept in an aviary and observed from the fly stage to the end of the pupal stage (emergence of the first flies). Data on the duration of the different stages of development and the evolution of larval growth parameters (average weight, length, width, Fulton index, length/width ratio, survival and mortality rate of larvae) have been taken. This study revealed that the life cycle of Hermetia illucens is between 31 and 43 days, with an incubation time of eggs that lasts 2 days, a larval phase of 14 days, a pupation of 10 days and a duration of adult life of 8 days on average. In addition, this study reports a low mortality rate of larvae (3.45%), larvae much longer (19.46 mm), wider (6 mm) and plumper.

Modulating the Fatty Acid Profiles of Hermetia illucens Larvae Fats by Dietary Enrichment with Different Oilseeds: A Sustainable Way for Future Use in Feed and Food.

Simple SummaryMost of the vegetable oils represent a suitable source of unsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds, which can be the key to solving different nutritional limitations. The fatty acid profile of Hermetia illucens larvae fats can be modulated through dietary enrichment as a result of adding vegetable oils to the rearing substrate. Therefore, the present research analyzes the effects of a 10% addition of vegetable oils from five dietary fat sources in larvae diets on the productive performances and fatty acid profiles of H. illucens. Oil inclusion in the larval diet improved (p < 0.05) the weight of larvae, prepupae, pupae, and imago without influencing (p > 0.05) the egg clutch weight and the number of eggs in the clutch. In addition, the larvae FA profile was enhanced in unsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001), especially in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from the omega-3 series, when the linseed oil, hempseed oil, and rapeseed oil were used in larvae diets.Edible insects such as the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens L. represent a potential and sustainable source of nutrients for food and feed due to their valuable nutritional composition, which can be modulated through dietary enrichment. The high content of saturated fatty acid (FA) of Hermetia illucens larvae fats can be modulated through dietary enrichment as a result of adding vegetable oils in the rearing substrate. Therefore, the present research aims to highlight the effects of a 10% addition of vegetable oils from five dietary fat sources (linseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, and hempseed oil) on the growth, development, reproductive performance, and the fat and fatty acids profile of H. illucens. Oil inclusion in the larval diet improved (p < 0.05) the weight of larvae, prepupae, pupae, and imago without influencing (p > 0.05) the egg clutch weight and the number of eggs in the clutch. In addition, the larvae fatty acid profile was different (p < 0.001) according to the oil type, because the unsaturated FAs (UFA) increased from 11.23 to 48.74% of FAME, as well as according to the larvae age, because the saturated FAs decreased from 85.86 to 49.56% of FAME. Linseed oil inclusion led to the improvement of the FA profile at 10 days age of larvae, followed by hempseed and rapeseed oil. These three dietary treatments recorded the highest concentrations in UFA (29.94–48.74% of FAME), especially in polyunsaturated FA (18.91–37.22% of FAME) from the omega-3 series (3.19–15.55% of FAME) and the appropriate n–6/n–3 ratio. As a result, the degree of the lipid polyunsaturation index increased (17.76–41.44) and the value of the atherogenic (3.22–1.22) and thrombogenic (1.43–0.48) indices decreased. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that enriching the larval diet with these oils rich in UFA can modulate the larvae FA profile, making them suitable sources of quality fats for feed and indirectly for food.