BSF bucket after two weeks

Please see the updated version of this unit at http://blacksoldierflyblog.com/bsf-bucket-composter-version-2-1/

This update was recorded on May 10th, about two weeks after I seeded this black soldier fly composter with a small number of larvae from eggs I collected and hatched separately.

This link is to the video where I seed the unit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwjfqELn2dw

This link is to the first of a two part video describing the features and theory of the DIY BSF bucket composter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kjNvE5IOdw

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• BSF
• black soldier fly
• flies
• larva
• larvae
• grubs
• hermetia illucens
• composting
• vermiculture
• biopod
• maggots

[PeanutButterGtr]

If the adults don't eat, How do they live?

[BlackSoldierFly]

@PeanutButterGtr The adults (winged stage) only live 5-8 days for the purpose of reproduction. During that time they live on stored fat. The light colored juvenile larvae live for several weeks while they consume almost constantly. The final larval stage (also called mature or prepupal larvae) are the coffee colored larvae which also do not eat. In that stage they crawl away from the food source in search of a protected pupation site.

[1serbus1]

The first thing I thought when I saw this was "So CUTE!" XD I guess larvae must be cute... This video is excellent, I'm so glad you were able to catch the females laying their eggs on camera. What a beautiful thing to watch.

[BlackSoldierFly]

@1serbus1 Thanks! I hope to upload some new stuff soon.

[mowdan77]

would it be a good idea to buy bsf larve first to start with? . i have a worm bin already . thanks dan

[BlackSoldierFly]

@mowdan77 It depends on where you live and how much patience you have for starting your colony. Buying larvae can speed up the process of establishing a colony but it isn't necessary when you have a wild BSF population in your area. If you want to learn more about BSF I recommend you join the forum at my blog where more than one person can give advice. The forum is very new and therefore quiet, but that just means more attention for you! :)

[starsmillin]

Hi, regards! I like your work. I have a question: How do you do for not contaminate with other insects, (other flys or cockroaches). Thanks a lot!

[JimbobOMG]

What do you do over the winter?

[BlackSoldierFly]

@thesunsetreptiles I'm sorry but the subject is too complex to address in youtube comments. Most of what you need to know you can find at my blog and a few others.

[thesunsetreptiles]

what should you do if you want to breed these flys and you dont have any wild flys. I would have to buy some worms but how do i get them to turn into adults