Abstract
Under natural conditions, black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), colonizes in warm temperate regions, and is active in Korea from May through October. Information on black soldier fly rearing, which is affected by seasonal factors in Korea, is limited. Oviposition by black soldier flies is dependent on light intensity and wavelength. Therefore, continuous mass rearing of this fly requires determination of optimal artificial conditions of illumination. In this study, we compared the number of eggs laid under an artificial light source (750 watt HPL lamp) versus nature sunlight. Our results showed that compared to oviposition under natural sunlight, the use of one or two lamps for 7 hours, resulted in only 43 and 76%, of the total number of eggs laid under natural sunlight, respectively. We also investigated the hatchability of oviposited eggs under artificial illumination and under natural sunlight. The hatching rate under the former was much significantly lower than under the latter. Further detailed research is required to develop methods for successful mass rearing of black soldier fly throughout the year by means of an indoor system.