An Investigation and Trapping Wild Colonies of the Black Soldier Fly, Morphological Identification of Larval Stages Under a Controlled Environment in Pakistan

The black soldier fly larvae <i>Hermetia illucens</i> L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) are an ideal insect to produce compost and animal feed. The goal of this study was to use Kitchen waste 50 grams, Cow dung 50 grams, and Rotten fruits 50 grams attractants to gather wild <i>H. illucens</i> and their egg clutches from their natural microhabitat in dumping sites. The fly was trapped in a 1×1×1 feet trap net. The results indicate that humidity 42.5±50.5%, F = 1.754, P = .233 and temperature 27.975±37.05ºC, F = 1.126, P = .353) during the capture of <i>H. illucens</i> and egg clutch in a natural environment. The life cycle has included seven instars, a duration of 39 days, and the longest time period of the instar 6^th recorded. We have optimized the temperature range to 24-30ºC and humidity to 60-95% in indoor rearing of the <i>H. illucens</i>. We recorded the varying ingredient contents level, highest Moisture at 38.5%, Crude protein at 55.13%, Crude fiber at 28.18%, Crude fat at 28.18%, and Total Ash at 15.5%. The <i>H. illucens</i> indoor farming is recommended for quality of protein production under a controlled environment which will boost the Pakistani economy and reduce threats to aquatic fauna.