BSFL production represents only a small part of this insect’s vast potential. From the larval farming process, two main products are obtained: the larva itself and a by-product known as frass.
The larvae, whether live, frozen, or dried, can be used directly as feed for a wide range of farmed animals, including fish, poultry, birds, and reptiles. Alternatively, they can be processed into protein-rich meals used in animal feed formulations.
From the larvae, it’s possible to extract:
The larval farming process also produces Frass, a by-product made up of organic waste, including leftover feed and larval excrement. It is still rich in readily available nutrients, making it a valuable organic fertilizer for plants or soil improver in agriculture.
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Hermetia illucens, species commonly known as Black Soldier Fly (BSF), a non-pest insect belonging to the Diptera order, Stratiomyidae family, found in subtropical and tropical climates, originally distributed in central and south America, but has now spontaneously colonized temperate areas, such as Italy. BSF Larvae were originally studied for larval rearing and fattening but now are famous as a highly bio-converter tool with application across several sectors, because they are able to exploit organic materials of various types, transforming them into high-value products, such as proteins, lipids, chitin, etc.
Its life cycle includes complete metamorphosis with five stages: eggs, larva, prepupa, pupa and adult, lasts for about 40 days in optimal conditions at 27 ̊C and 65% RH. The larva is saprophagous, able to live and feed on organic matter (animal or vegetal) in decomposition. The potential of this insect extends beyond waste management into sustainable feed production suitable for fish, poultry and pets. Rearing residue (frass), rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, serves as an excellent organic fertilizer, improving soil health and crop yields
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