Invertebrate · Other invertebrate
Black soldier fly larva care guide
Hermetia illucens
The black soldier fly larva is a beginner-level other invertebrate from Americas (now cosmopolitan). Adults reach Larva 1.5–2.5 cm and live Larva 2–3 weeks, adult 5–8 days in captivity. Calcium-rich feeder; larvae need no gut-loading and do not climb out easily.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 24–30°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a black soldier fly larva cost in Canada?
Black soldier fly larva quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Larva 1.5–2.5 cm
- Lifespan
- Larva 2–3 weeks, adult 5–8 days
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Americas (now cosmopolitan)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – food scraps, grain, compost
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Black soldier fly larva enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix5 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a black soldier fly larva eat?
Detritivore – food scraps, grain, compost. Keep a moist food scrap or grain mash available for larvae.
Handling, temperament & health
Harmless larvae; adults do not bite or sting.
Health watch: Cultures overheat or go anaerobic if too wet.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a black soldier fly larva bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Black soldier fly larva FAQ
Is the black soldier fly larva good for beginners?
Yes – the black soldier fly larva is a good choice for beginners. Harmless larvae; adults do not bite or sting.
What size enclosure does a black soldier fly larva need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a black soldier fly larva cost in Canada?
Typically $10–25 CAD to buy, about $120–220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a black soldier fly larva need?
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a black soldier fly larva eat?
Detritivore – food scraps, grain, compost. Keep a moist food scrap or grain mash available for larvae.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.