ExploreInsects

Black Soldier Fly

Hermetia illucens

The Black Soldier Fly is a special insect that helps break down food waste. They have shiny black bodies and are great at turning trash into compost, making them super helpful for our planet!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Black Soldier Fly is a dark-bodied insect, often black or metallic blue, resembling a small wasp more than a common housefly. It has two distinctive clear 'windows' on its abdomen and somewhat elongated antennae.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyStratiomyidaeGenusHermetia
Black Soldier Fly
social trait badgeomnivorous trait badgescavenger trait badgedecomposer trait badge
Black Soldier Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Black Soldier Flies don't eat at all; they live off stored energy!

Their larvae can devour half their body weight in food every single day.

These flies are spreading worldwide, thriving by recycling human food waste.

They're incredibly clean, helping reduce harmful bacteria in their feeding areas.

Special abilities

Ability

Waste Warrior

Black Soldier Fly larvae can break down organic waste quickly, turning it into valuable compost.

Ability

Wasp Mimicry

Black Soldier Flies mimic wasps, helping them avoid predators because they look dangerous.

Ability

Protein Factory

Black Soldier Fly larvae convert low-value waste into high-value protein and fat, used as animal feed.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
24-40 mm
Size
12-20 mm
Lifespan
5-8 days
Flight Speed
5 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Larvae are voracious eaters of decaying organic matter, while adults do not feed.

Age differences: Adults do not feed; larvae consume vast amounts of decaying organic matter.

Primary Foods

  • rotting fruits
  • vegetables
  • manure
  • food waste
  • dead animals

Foraging Method

  • Scavenging

Ecological connections

eaten by

black rat

Rattus rattus

Rats sometimes prey on BSF larvae in composting systems.

eaten by

common toad

Bufo bufo

Toads readily consume larvae and pupae.

depends on

humans

Homo sapiens

People farm larvae for waste management and animal feed production.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Black Soldier Flies are safe and friendly, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Soldier Fly's wingspan?

24-40 mm

How big is Black Soldier Fly?

12-20 mm

How long does Black Soldier Fly live?

5-8 days

How fast can Black Soldier Fly fly?

5 km/h

What does Black Soldier Fly eat?

Larvae are voracious eaters of decaying organic matter, while adults do not feed.

Where is Black Soldier Fly usually found?

Urban areas

How does Black Soldier Fly hunt?

Scavenging

How many legs does Black Soldier Fly have?

6

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