Influence of starvation on the larval development of the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

The rearing of black soldier flies in Korea is affected by seasonal factors such as temperature and sun light; for this reason, it requires a great deal of effort to rear and maintain black soldier flies during the winter. In this study, we investigated how starvation affects larval development. After hatching the larvae, they were fed for 5 or 10 d and then starved for a certain period to see how they recovered. The length and width of larvae were estimated to be 18.18 to 21.96 mm, 5.19 to 6.04 mm, respectively. Larvae survivorship to the pupal stage was significantly different between groups and periods of starvation. The groups of fed for 5 d then starved showed a high survival rate until 20 d starvation and then the survival of larvae rapidly decreased. The survival rate of the larvae was abruptly decreased for 20 d starvation in the groups of fed for 10 d and starved, and then gradually decreased until 60 d starvation thereafter. Our research attempted to influence larvae development through starvation and provides basic information on how to culture the black soldier fly effectively and economically throughout the year.