Larval density drives thermogenesis and affects microbiota and substrate properties in black soldier fly trials.

ABSTRACT: Industrial insect farming has potential for converting low-value organic waste into nutrient-rich insect biomass, producing valuable by-products like organic fertilizers. However, a better understanding of density-related thermogenesis and microbial dynamics is needed to enhance standardization and bridge gaps between laboratory and industry needs. This lab-scale study focuses on the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), which exhibits thermogenesis that intensifies with larval population size and its natural crowding behavior. Using high-resolution temperature monitoring and biomolecular methods, we found that doubling larval density (0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 larvae/cm²) increased temperatures by 0.6°C-2.4°C, depending on the treatment. Adding potassium sorbate altered micro

SUBMITTER: Klammsteiner T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12205609 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature