Black Soldier Fly

Hermetia Illucens, known commonly as the Black Soldier Fly, besides the Arctics, it is found throughout the world, but is native to South America. Adult black soldier flies have a mostly black body with metallic reflections. Its appearance is similar to the organ pipe mud wasp, which acts as a defense mechanism. The larvae of black soldier flies are essential decomposers, as they help break down organic substances and return nutrients into the soil. These larvae are used as an alternative source of protein for animal and pet food or aquaculture, which is the controlled cultivation of seafood and aquatic products.

In the world of biotechnology, black soldier flies and their larvae are very helpful in bioconversion, can produce valuable resources, and more. Bioconversion is the process by which you turn organic materials and waste into helpful goods or energy, typically by using living organisms like bacteria, or in this case, black soldier fly larvae. Black soldier fly larvae have large appetites and consume organic waste. They then convert this organic material into biomass that is rich in proteins, amino acids, and antioxidative compounds. Black soldier fly larvae are more efficient than typical methods of waste removal and other bioconversion methods, making them a more sustainable waste management system that reduces environmental burden. Black soldier fly larvae also house certain plastic-destroying bacteria. Due to the fact that they can ingest plastic, these larvae can become breeding grounds for plastic-destroying bacteria. These bacteria can then be isolated and used for destroying microplastics and converting them into valuable biomass. In addition to this, larvae can also cultivate bacteria that consume other stubborn pollutants making them important as an incubator of sorts for these different microorganisms.

Black soldier fly larvae are a source of many valuable resources on different parts of their body. The exoskeletons and bodies of black soldier fly larvae are made of chitin and chitosan, two key biopolymers that can be used in anything from biodegradable plastics to wound dressings. They have even more applications in fields like material sciences, sustainability, and as previously mentioned, medicine. Black soldier fly larvae produce and contain biomass that is very rich in valuable molecules and structures like proteins, fats, and bioactive compounds. The larvae are used to develop sustainable animal feeds and are more environmentally friendly than typical options like fishmeal or other traditional protein sources. They also contain compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and potentially medical or anti-aging properties. All of this adds into the increasing sector of biotechnology specializing in the production of functional ingredients from insect biomass.

References:

Marshall, S. A., et al. “The Historical Spread of the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia Illucens (L.) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae, Hermetiinae), and Its Establishment in Canada.” The Journal of the Entomological Society of Ontario, journal.lib.uoguelph.ca/index.php/eso/article/view/3696.  Accessed 11 Jan. 2026. 

Kou Z;Luo X;Jiang Y;Chen B;Song Y;Wang Y;Xu J;Tomberlin JK;Huang Y; “Establishment of Highly Efficient Transgenic System for Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens).” Insect Science, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36624657/. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026. 

Ahmed, H. H. R., & El-Sayed, A. S. A. F. (2025). Biotechnological applications of Hermetia illucens in veterinary uses. Journal of Veterinary Practice and Health, 1(1), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.62184/jvph.jvphj110020255

González-Lara, Hugo, et al. “Black Soldier Fly Culture as a Source of Chitin and Chitosan for Its Potential Use in Concrete: An Overview.” Polymers, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Mar. 2025, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11945844/. 

Dragone, Nicholas B. “Examining the Potential of Plastic-Fed Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia Illucens) as ‘Bioincubators’ of Plastic-Degrading Bacteria | Journal of Applied Microbiology | Oxford Academic.” Oxford Academic, 4 Apr. 2025, academic.oup.com/jambio/article/136/4/lxaf085/8107898. 

Tariq, Muhammad  Raheel. “Black Soldier Fly: A Keystone Species for the Future of Sustainable Waste Management and Nutritional Resource Development: A Review.” MPDI, 21 Apr. 2025, www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/8/750. 

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