Black Soldier Fly Research Articles

Economic impact of inclusion of black soldier fly products in broiler diets: A comparison between conventional and higher animal welfare production systems in the Netherlands

The primary objectives of this study were to analyze economic feasibility of incorporating black soldier fly products in broiler feed and to compare the viability of alive (alive grown larvae (AGL)) or processed (defatted larvae meal (DLM) and insect oil) insect inclusion into the two Dutch broiler welfare systems: conventional and better life one star (BLS).An existing simulation model for insect production was adapted to build an economic model for the insect-fed broiler breast meat supply chain. Amounts, full costs, and breakeven prices of different production setups were compared and the impacts of specific input parameters were tested by sensitivity and breakeven analyses.Results indicated a hypothetical demand of 2.15 million tons wet matter of raw substrate to meet the total Dutch breast meat production (BLS broilers and 10% AGL inclusion). In case of 10% processed insect inclusion, the conventional broiler breast meat price increased from 3,947 to 6,069 €/t (53.7%) and the BLS breast meat price from 6,493 to 9,662 €/t (48.8%). Alive insect inclusion resulted in a smaller cost increase (42.2%) by skipping the costly processing step. To become price competitive, DLM or AGL must cost 618 or 801 €/ton dry matter (tDM), respectively, requiring a raw substrate mix price of −109 €/tDM.High input amounts and costs currently hinder the widespread adoption of insect products in Dutch mass poultry feed. However, in the long run, using negative value substrates or targeting niche markets for broiler welfare with low AGL inclusion levels could become viable business models.Research is needed on the impact of negative value substrates on insect production performance and contamination risks. Furthermore, the impact of varying AGL composition requires special attention.

Comparison of Waste Reduction and NPK value between Black Soldier Fly and vermi

Vermicomposting and the employment of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for waste management can be compared to learn more about two different but related methods for recycling organic waste. Both approaches are green and support long-term waste management, but they differ in their features and intended uses. Here is a summary of the comparison between using black soldier flies can take longer to break down some materials, they can process organic matter more quickly, the potential of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and vermicomposting as organic fertilizer sources for agricultural and horticultural applications can be better understood by comparing nutritional composition of the two. Analyzing the availability, balance, and use of the vital plant nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in each of these organic products is necessary to comprehend the extent of this comparison Key Words: black soldier fly larvae, vermicomposting, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)

Feed-shifting strategy for increasing biodiesel production from black soldier fly larvae

The aim of this study was to increase the bioconversion efficiency (lipid accumulation) of black soldier fly larvae while simultaneously increasing biodiesel production through a feed-shifting strategy. Feeding with low-lipid feed promoted an increase in larval weight, while high-lipid feed resulted in greater lipid accumulation. Based on this result, a feed-shifting strategy was introduced, which consisted of two stages: first, increasing larval body weight using low-lipid feed, followed by lipid induction for biodiesel production using high-lipid feed. The use of this strategy resulted in an increase in the dry weight of larvae by ≥16 % compared to single feeding systems. This led to a 20 % increase in biodiesel productivity. The waste reduction ratio was enhanced due to the higher bioconversion rate in the feed-shifting strategy compared to that in the single feeding systems. The feed-shifting strategy would contribute to the enhancement of waste-to-energy efficiency.

Drying Methods for Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae as a Feed Ingredient for Pigs Affect In Vitro Nutrient Disappearance

The objective of the present research was to determine the nutrient utilization of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL), which were processed by various drying methods, using in vitro procedures for pigs. Four sources of BSFL were prepared using various drying methods: (1) hot-air drying at 65 °C for 24 h; (2) microwave drying at 700 W for 5 min, three times; (3) freeze drying at −40 °C for 72 h; (4) infrared drying at medium infrared region (ranged from 2.0 to 6.0 μm) and at 95 °C for 12 min. In vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of nutrients in the BSFL was measured using a procedure simulating the nutrient digestion and absorption in the stomach and small intestine of pigs. In vitro total tract disappearance (IVTTD) of nutrients in the BSFL was also measured using a procedure that simulated the total intestine of pigs. The contents of dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein in the dried-BSFL ranged from 94.6 to 96.8%, 49.2 to 52.8%, and 30.0 to 36.8%, respectively, on an as-is basis. Microwave drying resulted in a greater (p < 0.05) IVID of dry matter in BSFL, compared with the freeze drying or infrared drying method, which caused the least IVID of dry matter. Hot air-dried BSFL, microwave-dried BSFL, and freeze-dried BSFL had a greater (p < 0.05) IVID of crude protein and a greater (p < 0.05) IVTTD of dry matter and organic matter, compared with infrared-dried BSFL. In conclusion, the hot-air drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying of full-fat black soldier fly larvae resulted in fairly comparable and relatively high nutrient digestibility based on the present in vitro study for pigs. However, the infrared drying method impaired nutrient utilization of full-fat black soldier fly larvae for pigs.

Impact of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on health, muscle texture, and intestinal microbiota in Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Defatted black soldier fly larvae meal is a highly promising substitute for fishmeal, with its impact on gut health and muscle quality in Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) being crucial for its further development and utilization. This study conducted an 8-week feeding trial to evaluate the effects of replacing fishmeal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (DBSFLM) on the growth, muscle texture, and gut health of P. vannamei. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated, with DBSFLM added at levels of 0 %, 4.12 %, 8.24 %, 12.36 %, 16.48 %, and 20.61 % to replace different proportions of fishmeal. The results showed that adding up to 20.61 % DBSFLM to replace 75 % of fishmeal did not significantly affect shrimp growth performance. The optimal inclusion level of DBSFLM is 4.12 % to 8.24 %, which not only reduces intestinal inflammation and enhances gut microbiota interactions but also improves muscle texture and flavor, while boosting immunity and antioxidant capacity. However, adding more than 16.48 % DBSFLM leads to intestinal inflammation and hepatocellular damage, and negatively affects muscle texture and amino acid composition. Overall, while adding up to 20.61 % DBSFLM (to replace 75 % of fishmeal) does not affect shrimp growth, an inclusion level of no more than 12.36 % (to replace 45 % of fishmeal) is recommended for optimal flavor and health.

Insect frass as a promising remedy of increasing the fertility of agricultural land in Siberia

One of the main tasks of modern organic crop production is the search for effective environmentally friendly fertilizers. A promising approach to this problem could be the study insect frass, a product of organic processing by insects. Insect frass is obtained as secondary products from the cultivation of such economic insects as, for example, housefly (Musca domestica) and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Insect frass has a high concentration of nitrogen, which was processed within the digestive tract of insects, which makes it more accessible to plants and contributes to their active distribution and development. It also has insecticidal and fungicidal properties due to its own microbiome. Insect frass can also enhance the moisture-holding capacity of the environment and be used as sorbents for petroleum products. The actual study examines the use of insect frass as a stand-alone growing medium or as one component of a finished substrate. A study was carried out and the nitrogen content in ammonium and nitrate forms, total acidity and the phytotoxicity index of insect frass in mixtures with lowland peat were measured. The study showed that insect frass has acceptable acidity for use as a substrate, as well as a high nitrogen content in two forms. At high concentrations, insect frass is a source of phytotoxic properties, therefore, when using it, it is necessary to maintain the ratio with other components of the substrate. Thus, insect frass, with normal application, can become an effective fertilizer for all household producers engaged in organic farming, where the tools for increasing productivity are seriously limited, and all useful elements taken from the soil must be replenished without the use of chemical fertilizers.

Agronomic potential of Hermetia illucens frass in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soils

Abstract Cropping systems are strongly dependent on mineral fertilisers, which are effective in achieving high crop productivities. However, these chemical inputs end up compromising soil quality in the long-term. Frass from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae is a novel organic fertiliser that is rich in organic matter and advocated as a material that can sustain crop productivity while increasing soil quality. This study aimed at evaluating distinct fertilisation regimes in the cultivation of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. or annual ryegrass) in soils of different types (sandy, loamy and clay) and fertility levels. In a 7-month pot experiment conducted in a glass greenhouse, plants were cultivated with exclusive mineral (MT) or organic (OT) fertilisation, in addition to combinations between both (mineral and organic, MOTs) in different proportions (25:50; 50:50 and 75:25), considering a 140 kg per hectare N demand. Crop yield was favoured by the combination of organic and mineral fertilisers in all soils, which also had its fertility increased, especially regarding organic matter build-up and nutrient accumulation. In addition, the presence of frass in the sandy soil stimulated microbial activity, which was measured by the enzyme dehydrogenase. Frass derived from BSF larvae can be considered an adequate organic fertiliser in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soil types, when applied in partial (25% to 75%) replacement of mineral fertilisers, enabling high crop productivity and nutritional quality of the crop, while increasing soil fertility.

Replacement of fish meal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) in diet of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): growth, flesh quality and transcriptome

Abstract This study evaluated the impacts of replacing fish meal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) on the growth performance, flesh quality and transcriptome of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In a diet containing 560 g/kg FM, BSF was used to replace 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of dietary FM (BSF0, BSF20, BSF40, BSF60, BSF80 and BSF100). Thus, six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared, and then fed to juvenile Pacific white shrimp (1.70 ± 0.10 g) for 60 days. In growth performance, the BSF20 group showed the similar FCR and WGR to the control group (), and the other four BSF groups presented significantly lower WGR and higher FCR than the BSF0 group (). The flesh chewiness and the contents of crude lipid, collagen and total amino acid in flesh were significantly decreased (), and flesh cooking loss, thawing loss was significantly increased when the replaced FM was ≥40% (). When the replaced FM reached 60%, the flesh hardness, heat-insoluble collagen content, shear force, body surface redness and the ratio of n-3/n-6 fatty acids were significantly lower (), while n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content and total free amino acid content in flesh were significantly higher than those of the BSF0 group (). Hepopancreatic samples were used for transcriptomic analysis, and a total of 1,456 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the BSF groups and BSF0 group, which were mainly involved in growth-promoting, energy metabolism and antioxidant capacity key pathways and genes, including the cathepsin L, folate synthesis pathway, redox-related genes and glutathione metabolism pathway. In conclusion, in a diet containing 560 g/kg FM, BSF could successfully replace 20% of dietary FM, and higher FM replacement (≥40%) decreased the growth performance and flesh quality of Pacific white shrimp.

Chitin Extracted from Black Soldier Fly Larvae at Different Growth Stages

Chitin Extracted from Black Soldier Fly Larvae at Different Growth Stages

Metagenomics Analysis of the Gut Microbiome Structure and Function in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Reared With Different Types of Diet1

Metagenomics Analysis of the Gut Microbiome Structure and Function in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Reared With Different Types of Diet1

Enhancing black soldier fly larval production from sugarcane bagasse through hydrothermal, enzymatic, and microbial treatment

Enhancing black soldier fly larval production from sugarcane bagasse through hydrothermal, enzymatic, and microbial treatment

Assessing the economic viability and factors affecting farmer adoption of black soldier fly larvae as broiler feed in Bangladesh: a comparative analysis

Despite its impressive economic growth, Bangladesh faces a persistent malnutrition challenge, costing over US$1 billion annually. The broiler industry plays a vital role in addressing nutritional needs by providing essential protein through meat and eggs. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this sector struggle with high feed prices, impacting their profitability and growth. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional poultry feed, addressing both rising costs and environmental impacts. This study examined different aspects of BSFL, such as broiler feed, and farmers' perceptions of them in some selected areas of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. A total of 60 respondents from three subdistricts in Sylhet district were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, discriminative power value, binary logistic regression model, and profitability equation. Among the respondents, 70% (42) had a favorable attitude toward BSFL, and 30% (18) had a highly favorable attitude towards BSFL. Among eight socioeconomic attributes examined for the likeliness of adopting BSFL as broiler feed, the respondents' average income (p < 0.01), years of schooling (p < 0.05), and years of broiler farming experience (p < 0.01) were found to be significant. Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a net return of BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) 35,045.67 (USD 419.71), higher than those using traditional feed, which had a net return of BDT 29670.67 (USD 355.38). Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.16, compared to other farms with a BCR of 1.11. The study also found some problems causing slow growth in the adoption rate of BSFL in the study region, such as lack of training programs, extension campaigns, the uncertainty of input supply, and financial assistance. The study suggests making adequate measures to raise awareness about the profitability of BSFL as broiler feed, conducting training at the root level, and making inputs easily available to farmers.

Upcycling lignocellulosic palm biomass via Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) composting incorporated with Ex-situ fermentation by Bacillus Subtilis

The growing demand of palm oil has caused expanding deforestation- one of the root causes for global warming. Drawn from the recent Conferences of the Parties (COP) 28, 39 % reduction in global carbon emission would need to be met by 2030 and this requires cooperation from all nations. Hence, the palm oil-producing nations could play their parts by upcycling palm waste biomass to promote sustainable palm oil production. Oil palm frond (OPF), a highly abundant biomass resulted from fruit pruning remains underutilized – mainly due to the undesirable biomass moisture level and low conversion technology readiness in the region. Composting OPF via Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) was proposed to overcome the technological barrier. However, OPF was not palatable for BSFL mainly being nutritionally deficient and highly lignocellulosic. Hence, ex-situ fermentation via Bacillus subtilis followed by blending with decanter cake (DC), nitrogenous palm waste was studied prior to BSFL composting. Results showed that treatment E (OPF:DC 3:7 wt) led to the highest BSFL weight gain (49 %) and biomass degradation (58 %) after 20 rearing days. The reared larvae consisted of 30 % and 22 % crude protein and lipid, respectively – making them an ideal insect meal. Overall, this research aims to give a preliminary overview of employing BSFL in composting highly recalcitrant palm waste biomass.

Insects as Sustainable Feed: Enhancing Animal Nutrition and Reducing Livestock Environmental Impression.

Insects are emerging as a promising alternative source in animal nutrition, offering high protein content and a low environmental impression compared to traditional feed sources. This abstract explores the potential role of insects in reducing the environmental impact of livestock production. Insects such as black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets are rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, amino acids, fatty acids and so on. They can be efficiently farmed on organic waste streams, contributing to resource efficiency and waste lessening. Additionally, insect farming needs a small quantity of water, less land, and emits fewer greenhouse gases than conventional animal feed production. Despite these benefits, several challenges must be addressed to realize their potential, including regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, production scalability, and ensuring consistent nutritional quality. By overcoming these challenges through research, innovation, and policy support, insects can be integrated into mainstream animal feed systems, significantly reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural future.

Analysing the effects of feeding black soldier fly on broiler growth performance: a meta-analysis

Context The black soldier fly has been found to be a rich protein source, containing high amounts of protein and lipids, making them a valuable and sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources, such as fish and soybean meals, for broilers, which has also been demonstrated by multiple studies. Aims A meta-analysis was conducted using peer-reviewed published research on the use of black soldier flies in poultry diets to test the hypothesis that it enhances growth performance as a sustainable alternative to plant-based protein sources. Methods To this end, we used publicly available databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Embase) to identify peer-reviewed papers. Retrieved articles were screened for relevance and quality using established criteria. The studies were largely rejected due to non-reporting of variance measures or reporting pooled measures of variance that could not be used. As a result, eight studies were used to extract data for growth performance, including body weight gain. Key results The meta-analysis showed that the effect of feeding black soldier fly meals on body weight gain was non-significant. However, the subgroup analysis showed that utilisation of the frozen form of the black soldier fly lowers body weight gain compared with the birds fed basal diets. Furthermore, the feed intake was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced when the broilers were fed with diets containing black soldier fly meals. The feed conversion ratio showed non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences with the supplementation. Conclusions The inclusion level of black soldier fly larvae meal in any form was seen to be safe up to 10%, and the effective duration of the supplementation was ≤35 days. Implications The utilisation of black soldier fly as a sustainable protein source should be encouraged to facilitate farmers in terms of being less dependent on soybean meal, as well as to reduce the competition between humans and animals for plant protein sources.

Applying the internet of things (IoT) for raising black soldier Fly (BSF) in closed system to minimize greenhouse gas emissions

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF), scientifically known as Hermetia Illucens L., effectively reduces organic waste and decreases harmful gas emissions more efficiently than landfill or composting methods. However, it can still produce harmful gases during the rearing of BSF larvae, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ammonia (NH3), which contribute directly and indirectly to the greenhouse effect. The pH level of the food provided to the larvae affects their biomass and leads to varying levels of gas emissions. This study aims to investigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions when different pH levels of food are used, utilizing IoT technology to measure greenhouse gases and control the environmental conditions for rearing BSF larvae. The greenhouse gases monitored in this study include carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), with environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light intensity being controlled. The experiment tested pH levels ranging from 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 to 10.0. The results show that different pH levels in food affect the emission of CO2 and CH4. Initially, a large amount of CO2 is released, gradually decreasing over time, while CH4 emissions steadily increase. In the early days, CH4 emissions are unstable, fluctuating before stabilizing. Food with a pH of 2.0 results in the lowest average CO2 emissions (430.53 PPM) from BSF larvae, and the lowest CH4 emissions (16.11 PPM) are also observed with a pH of 2.0.

Effect of increasing levels of Hermetia illucens in a fishmeal-free diet at sea bream (Sparus aurata, L.) gastrointestinal level

The impact of a fishmeal-free, high plant-protein-based diet, in which vegetable proteins (VPs) were partially substituted with the proteins derived from Hermetia illucens pupae meal (Hi) was examined in the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). The physiological response at the gastrointestinal level was investigated by considering the gene expression responses and histology at the liver, stomach, pyloric caeca, foregut, midgut, and hindgut. To this end, three iso-proteic (crude protein, Nx6.25, 45 %) and iso-lipidic (crude fat, 20 %) extruded diets were formulated. A control diet (CV), comprising a substantial proportion of vegetable plant-protein (VPs) derivatives, was formulated alongside two test diets. These were created by replacing graded levels of the VPs (20 and 40 %, respectively) with protein derived from Hi (Hi20 and Hi40, respectively). In all dietary treatments, the foregut, midgut, and hindgut exhibited general structural integrity, displaying intact intestinal folds, enterocytes, and no signs of inflammation. However, occasional mild lymphocytic infiltrations of the epithelium and lamina propria were observed in the pyloric caeca of the CV and Hi20 diets. The histological examination of the stomach revealed that the CV diet had induced moderately-severe lymphocytic gastritis, accompanied by a down-regulation of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70). Moderate lymphocytic infiltrations were observed in liver of fish fed with the CV diet, which correlated to a down-regulation of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Sod1). In the hindgut, an increase in the expression of Sod1, manganese superoxide dismutase (Sod2), and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iap) and a decrease in the expression of hsp70 were observed in insect meal-containing diet relative to the CV. Overall, the present study showed that in sea bream a plant-protein based diet lacking in fishmeal negatively affects stomach mucosa, but HI included in a plant-protein-based diet helps in ameliorate histological distortion of tissue through specific correlated gene activations.

Comparison of Growth and Composition of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae Reared on Sugarcane By-Products and Other Substrates.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can convert organic waste into high-quality biomass. In this study, we tested the potential of sugarcane by-products as a food source for BSFL and compared larval development and nutritional value with some other organic substrates. Seven different substrates were used, including carrot pomace (C), carrot pomace and leftover bread (CB) (50/50), bagasse and vinasse (BV), bagasse and molasses (BM), bagasse, vinasse, and molasses (BVM), a mixture of all the above treatments (MX), and university canteen leftovers (UCLs). The larval weight and length were measured for two weeks from day 5 to 19. Then, the BSFL were harvested and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, oil, ash, mineral, and fatty acid composition. Larval weight and length varied depending on the feeding substrate provided. University canteen leftovers resulted in the BSFL having at least 18% greater length (17.00 mm) and 56% greater weight (3.15 g) compared to other treatments. The highest amounts of protein (38.9%) and oil (39.06%) were observed in the UCL treatment, while the BV treatment larvae had the highest quantities of ash (28.9%) and dry matter (28.0%). The fatty acid profile of the BSFL revealed three-times-higher levels of saturated fatty acids than unsaturated fatty acids in the UCL treatment and was at least twice as high in other treatments. Overall, the BSFL had the best growth on the UCL substrate, and the combination of bagasse and vinasse (BV) was the most appropriate substrate for BSFL development among the sugarcane by-products.

Utilization of Black Soldier Fly and Housefly as Biodegradation Agents of Dairy Wastes and source of Animal Feed

Accumulation of dairy wastes and shortage of nutritious feed remain the major challenges in dairy cattle production. Such wastes may sustainably be biodegraded by black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and housefly (HF) larvae into their which ca be used as animal feed. This study was done to compare the capacity of using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and housefly larvae (HFL) to manage dairy wastes and use of such larvae as livestock feed. Biomass reduction rate, biomass reduction index, bioconversion rate, feed conversion ratio and nutritional profile of resultant BSF and HF prepupae raised on cow dung (CD) and dairy shed effluent (DSE) were determined. In order to ascertain whether the substrates had an effect on BSFL and HFL, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, and multiple mean comparisons at P≤0.05 were done using the Tukey HSD post-hoc test. Housefly larvae reared on DSE had the highest biomass reduction rate and biomass reduction index, even though HFL had a shorter development time than BSFL (P≤0.05). Housefly prepupae reared on DSE had the highest crude protein content of 60.1 % of all the HF prepupae counterparts and BSF prepupae reared on DSE and CD (P≤0.05), Hence HF prepupae could be an alternative source of animal feed. Depending on the needs and purpose, utilization of fly larvae to manage dairy waste is viable and effective option

Sex-Specific Perching: Monitoring of Artificial Plants Reveals Dynamic Female-Biased Perching Behavior in the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).

Artificial perches are implemented by many companies that mass-rear the black soldier fly (BSF), to emulate a natural breeding environment or provide additional surface area for flies to rest; however, basic information about perching behavior is lacking. This experiment tested the effect of adding 0.00, 0.04, 0.26, or 0.34 m2 of surface area to 0.93 m3 cages, each supplied with 90 male and 90 female adults. Female thoraxes marked with acrylic paint, and the number of perching flies of each sex were recorded over 6 d. A time-series analysis revealed the following: (a) females utilized perches 1.42 times more often than males across two trials; (b) especially in the morning where the difference could be as high as 2.56 times as great; (c) this decreased to 0.20-1.57 times more females than males by 1600 h; and (d) this cyclical pattern repeated each day throughout the week with a decreasing female-bias, starting from 2.41-times more females on day 1, which fell to 0.88-1.98-times more females than males on day 6. These dynamics are likely due to the presence of male flies engaging in aerial contests near ultraviolet lamps required for mating, especially during the early hours and early adulthood, aligning with and expanding prior knowledge of black soldier fly mating behavior.