Lower temperature threshold of black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) development

The black soldier fly has shown great promise in addressing two environmental concerns: (1) waste management; and (2) protein supplementation for use as feed for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Thus, tremendous efforts have been placed on mass-production of the black soldier fly. Currently, little is known about the thermal tolerance limits of black soldier fly eggs and immatures. The objective of this study was to determine the lower temperature threshold for black soldier fly development. Development time, egg eclosion and adult emergence success were measured at 12, 16 and 19 degrees C. We determined that the lower threshold for egg hatch was between 12 and 16 degrees C, taking 15 days to hatch. Furthermore, we determined that the lower temperature threshold for larvae is between 16 and 19 degrees C with egg hatch in 7.75 days at 19 degrees C. Mean development time from egg to adult at 19 degrees C was 72 days.