Affiliation:
1. Monogastric Research Centre, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4474 New Zealand.
2. Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442 New Zealand.
Abstract
The larvae of Hermetia illucens L. (Insecta: Diptera: Stratiomyidae), also known as black soldier fly (BSF), has the unique ability to recycle nutrients from organic wastes. The BSF larvae biomass is a cheap and sustainable protein source that can be used in the feeding of fish, chickens, pigs, and pets. The BSF is a non-pest species, but its mass rearing conditions can attract pathogens and parasites due to the high temperature and moisture requirements. The published literature on the BSF cover aspects such as larval production, conversion efficiency during the rearing stage, adult longevity and mating. However, no published data are available on any parasitic or disease outbreaks in BSF colonies. The present paper reports the first case of an ectoparasite in a BSF colony. The poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is an invasive predator of the larvae and pre-pupae of BSF, quickly deteriorating the production and health of BSF colony.
Publisher
Wageningen Academic Publishers
Subject
Insect Science,Food Science