Hermetia illucens
Black Soldier Fly Larvae are a nutrient-rich, calcium-loaded feeder insect—perfect for reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds. They’re clean, low-odor, and super simple to keep.
Housing
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Keep them in the container they arrive in or transfer to a shallow, well-ventilated tub.
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They don’t need much space and can’t climb or jump, so no lid is needed unless you're adding ventilation.
Temperature
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Store at 10–20°C to slow growth.
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Keep at room temperature (20–25°C) if you plan to use them quickly.
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Refrigeration is not recommended, as it can kill them.
Feeding
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BSFL come pre-fed and don’t usually need extra food.
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If storing for more than a few days, you can offer small amounts of fruit or vegetable scraps (e.g., carrot, apple).
Hydration
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No additional water needed.
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High humidity can lead to mould—keep bedding dry.
Lifespan & Use
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Use larvae before they turn dark and become prepupae (at which point they are still edible but less active).
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Great for gut-loading if needed, but already naturally high in calcium.
Clean-Up
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Remove any uneaten food or mouldy substrate.
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Larvae can be kept on bran or coconut fibre if transferring to a larger container.