50 replies to this topic

[dermy]

Yes it is a pupae. I've seen them all the time on my Youtube searches. I've seen some pretty crazy setups [Flood and Drain Systems] and huge Outdoor Flow Throughs [not good for Canada ;) ]

[dean_k]

 

More pupae. The only problem with my setup is that it's very hard to locate pupae... since it's the same color as garden soil.

[Gregory2455]

What size are they?

[dean_k]

0.7 inch or 20mm

 

It's pretty big.

[dean_k]

My first BSF ( Black soldier fly ) has come out of its pupa.

 

 

 

So, I quickly decided to build a simple mating setup for them.

 

 

If you are wondering what thing above is, it is a small plastic base for thermal roll paper used in cashiers. I get a lot of them since I run a smoke shop.

I am hoping the flies will lay eggs in the gaps since these lay eggs in tree barks or small gaps.

 

 

Using a strong double sided tape, the setup looks like below.

 

 

 

And then place the pupae as well as the first BSF in. It can't fly since its wings are still drying, so it was very tame.

 

 

And that's pretty much it. I reckon rest of pupae will follow the suit soon.

 

 

And below is the empty shell the fly left.

 

Edited by dean_k, January 28 2015 - 6:52 AM.

[Crystals]

Usually people put the things they want eggs to be laid on above some sort of damp food source.  Coffee grounds, or damp bread, or oatmeal, or something.  I am curious to see if they use it.

I simply cut some strips of corrugated cardboard and used those.

 

I found the flies only lived 2-5 days.  I am curious to see how yours do.

[dean_k]

Did yours lay eggs?

[Crystals]

One of mine did, but the setup for my adults is a bit too small.  I used an empty 5 gallon aquarium, but they really need something at least 24"H x 18"W x 16"L or bigger - a large rubbermaid bin or mini green house would work well. 

They mate in flight as their wings get in the way otherwise, so small containers don't work very well - and they are very clumsy fliers.

 

I am going to let my flies die out - they seem to need lots of heat and light to mate.  Even using a 15 watt heating cable, I am having a hard time getting the cage to 28C.  My rearing bin works perfectly, but I really don't have room for a big adult cage like they need.

 

I think I will just stick with fruit flies, they are less work and my ants prefer them over the Black soldier flies. 

[dean_k]

Are you sure they mate in flight? Because I've seen images of them mating on human hands.

Edited by dean_k, January 28 2015 - 8:51 AM.

[Crystals]

They mate in flight, then being such clumsy fliers, they tend to fall to the ground.

At least from everything I have read and observed.

[dean_k]

...