Inconspicuous as they may be, the black soldier fly begins its life cycle with eggs no bigger than a grain of sand. In as little as four days, the eggs laid by adult flies in damp, dark places will develop into larvae. The true metamorphosis starts at that point – click our important link for more information!
Insatiable Larvae Phase
After hatching, the larvae immediately begin to feed nonstop. For the following two or three weeks, BSFL larvae will gorge themselves on biodegradable food scraps, such as the peels and cores of fruits and vegetables. During this stage, progress is prioritized. During this stage, the larvae convert waste into biomass that is rich in protein, which accounts for nearly all of their weight gain.
How a Pupation Develops
The larvae go into pupa after their growth spurt. Consider this their chance for a makeover. Before beginning their metamorphosis, they make their way to a dry, isolated spot. Encased in a tough exoskeleton, they go through a transformation that takes about two weeks. No outward activity, no eating, simply calm, inward transformation.
The Flight of Adult Flies
Once they’ve finished changing, the black soldier flies will come out. These adult flies are quite different from the normal kind. They won’t bite or buzz around your meal, and they don’t even have mouths to feed. Replicate and finish the cycle; that is their mission. Their adult lifespan is approximately seven days.
Nutritional Harvest
The time of BSFL gardening is crucial if the goal is to produce pet food. The time just preceding pupation is the most nutrient-dense for the larvae, as they are full of protein and good fats. You may collect them, wash them, and then use them as a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source for birds, reptiles, dogs, cats, and even humans (in moderation, of course).
With that, the cycle starts anew, this time with more cleanliness, efficiency, and direction.