Cravy Crawlers is dedicated to delivering live and healthy feeders to your pets. We have decades of experience with black soldier flies and now bring them to you!
The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is one of the world's most beneficial flies due to their ability to dispose of mass amounts of waste. The BSF is most commonly located in the tropical/subtropical western hemisphere and Australia but can be found in warm regions worldwide. The adult flies resemble wasps, however, lack a stinger and are known to be docile. That being said, black soldier flies are not considered to be pests. These flies undergo complete metamorphosis meaning they have three life stages: larval, pupal, and adult.
As larvae, the BSF is a scavenger and is naturally attracted to organic waste such as manure, compost heaps, and plant refuse. The larval stage makes black soldier flies so unique and beneficial as they can convert the mass amounts of organic waste they eat into biomass with a high protein and fat content. Not only can they rid the world of waste but also give that waste a purpose, but their frass can be used for an organic material for soil amendment.
The beneficial uses for the black soldier fly larvae go beyond their waste reduction. The larvae themselves can be harvested before pupation and used as nutritious feed ingredients for livestock. In addition, they are excellent live feeder insects for pets such as birds, fish, and reptiles.
Black Soldier Fly adults in a breeding enclosure.