Effects of fruit type on larval growth and egg-laying of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.)

Abstract

Black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.) is a major insect used as feed supplement for livestock. The important factors for mass rearing BSF are the understanding of diet type for larval growth and egg-laying behavior in order to obtain egg masses for further generations. Three types of fruit, including papaya, pineapple and watermelon were used for mass rearing BSF. The result showed that body size of black soldier fly larvae fed on papaya were significantly bigger than those fed on other fruits (P < 0.001). In concerning with egg-laying behavior of BSF, bigger than those fed on other fruits (P < 0.001). In concerning with egg-laying behavior of BSF, the effect of fruit odor as are attractant for BSF oviposition was investigated. Odor from four types of fruit, including papaya, pineapple, watermelon and mixed fruit were compared. The result showed that numbers of trapped egg batch were not significantly different among fruit species (P > 0.05). Furthermore effects of light intensity on BSF egg-laying were determined in which light intensity at (08.00-09.00, 12.00-13.00, 16.00-17.00) were compared. The results indicated that the light intensity at different time was a major factor affected ovipositing behavior of BSF. Black soldier fly preferred to lay more eggs in the afternoon (860 Lux) and in the evening (540 Lux). Thus the larval growth of BSF was affected by type of diet and oviposition of black soldier fly was stimulated by light intensity in the present environment.