• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.337-343
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• 2008

This study was conducted to investigate the distribution pattern, ecological characteristics and life cycle of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF). The BSF was widely distributed throughout Korea. The insect was mainly found in the vicinity of and in cattle sheds, manure sheds, living waste dump grounds, and food waste dump grounds. Developmental characteristics of the BSF are as follows: the egg was long oval shaped of 887 ${\mu}m$ in the major axis and 190 ${\mu}m$ in the minor axis; it weighed 24 ${\mu}g$. Female oviposited ca. 1,000 eggs on average; eggs hatched in 81 hours under laboratory condition ($27^{\circ}C$, 60% R.H.). The duration of the larval stage was approximately $15{\sim}20$ days. The size of the last instar larvae was 21 mm. The cuticle of the pupae gradually acquired red-brown color and the size of them was 19 mm. The pupal stage was shorter for females (16 days) than males (15 days). Adults were sized about $13{\sim}20$ mm long and black-colored. The life span of adult insects was $5{\sim}8$ days for the first generation (June${\sim}$July), $7{\sim}10$ days for the second generation (Aug.${\sim}$Sept.), and $13{\sim}18$ days for the third generation (Sept.${\sim}$Oct.). Mating started on the next day of emergence and actively occurred at the third day after emergence. Mating mostly occurred between 10:00 and 16:00 during which light intensity is highest. Egg-laying started on the third day and was most frequent from the fourth to the sixth day after emergence. Similar to mating time, females oviposited mostly between 10:00 and 16:00.