Comparison of the Life Cycle and Bioconversion Efficiency of Medipalle (Telangana) and Thrissur (Kerala) Populations of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) (Stratiomyidae: Diptera)

Author: Vinay Chander A., G. Anitha, V. Anitha and V. Ramya

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Abstract

The black soldier fly is an ideal insect for waste treatment as it offers an ecofriendly solution for converting waste to nutrient-rich manure while also providing a reliable source of protein, fat, fibre, lauric acid, calcium and other minerals, helping alleviate rising global demand for poultry and animal feed. The soldier flies are found occurring naturally throughout the country. The present study was carried out in the laboratory between November 2022 to February 2023 to study and compare the life cycle, morphometrics and bioconversion efficiency of two geographically different populations viz. Medipalle (Telangana) and Thrissur (Kerala) populations of black soldier fly. Results revealed that duration of larval period (21.57 ± 0.79 days), prepupal period (8.60 ± 0.79 days), pupal period (7.30 ± 0.49 days) and total life period (53.86 ± 1.07 days) was significantly lesser in the Thrissur population (19.57 ± 0.79 days, 7.00 ± 1.29 days, 6.40 ± 0.53,48.57 ± 2.51 days respectively) compared to the Medipalle population. Length of 10, 14 and 18day old larvae was significantly higher in Thrissur population (1.82 ± 0.08 cm, 1.89 ± 0.06 cm, 2.01 ± 0.05 cm), whereas in Medipalle population lengths were 1.31 ± 0.08 cm, 1.62 ± 0.06 cm, 1.70 ± 0.04 cm respectively. Thrissur population was found to be more robust than Medipalle population with length of prepupae and weight of pupae significantly higher (1.90 ± 0.09 cm and 0.12 ± 0.013g/pupa respectively) whereas in Medipalle population it was 1.69 ± 0.03 cm and 0.04 ± 0.006 g/pupae respectively. Crude fat content (%) and ash content (%) were significantly higher in Thrissur population (28.29 ± 0.05%,7.43 ± 0.01% respectively) compared to Medipalle population (20.23 ± 0.07%, 5.97 ± 0.005 % respectively). Thus, it could be concluded that Thrissur population of Black soldier fly held more promise for commercial farming systems owing to its shorter life cycle, heavier larvae, prepupae and pupae and enhanced crude fat and ash content.

Keywords

Black soldier fly, bioconversion, waste management, lifecycle, proximate

Conclusion

The black soldier fly holds a lot of potential for use in aquafeed and aquaculture, pig and poultry feed, livestock food industry and also for the waste management and recycling units. The Thrissur population, which recorded significantly lesser time to complete the life cycle and larvae, prepupae and pupae were found to be more robust could be certainly recommended for the commercial farms. It also recorded significantly more crude fat, ash and lesser moisture making them more preferred for extraction of fat and insect meal preparation processes.

References

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How to cite this article

Vinay Chander A., G. Anitha, V. Anitha and V. Ramya (2023). Comparison of the Life Cycle and Bioconversion Efficiency of Medipalle (Telangana) and Thrissur (Kerala) Populations of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) (Stratiomyidae: Diptera). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 421-425.