Standardization of harvesting stage of black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera : Stratiomyidae) larvae for maximizing the productivity

The scientific name for the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens , is drawing interest as a viable way to deal with some of the problems brought on by an expanding world population. By standardizing the harvesting stage process, the current study aimed to produce high-quality black soldier fly larvae. At 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 days after rearing, larvae that are 5 days old are fed kitchen garbage based on when they are harvested. Crude fat content increased quickly during the larvae's development from 5 to 18 days, peaking at 59.06% at a year old. Although the crude fat content of larvae aged 14, 16, and 18 days did not differ significantly, the crude protein content of larvae at 16 days was higher at 27.80%. In order to maximize the number of larvae produced, it was determined that the ideal time to harvest them was when they were 16 days old.