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SURVIVAL AND MORPHOMETRICS OF THE BLACK SOLDIER FLY, Hermetia illucens (DIPTERA: STRATIOMYIDAE) REARED ON COMMON MARKET FOOD WASTES IN NIGERIA

Purpose: This study investigated the suitability of nine common market food wastes in Nigeria for rearing Hermetia illucens. Methods: Substrate suitability was determined through periodic assessment for survival, and measurement of body length, width and weight of H. illucens on each substrate in the laboratory. Results: Survival of H. illucens larvae and pre-pupae on maize flour, cowpea flour, over-ripe banana peels, amaranth leaves, watermelon peels, and bread was comparable to the control substrate (chicken feed). In contrast, survival of larvae to pre-pupae on cabbage and pineapple flesh was significantly lower than on the control. Generally, larvae and adults reared on chicken feed had significantly higher body size and weight compared to those on pineapple flesh or pineapple peels. Conclusion: Due to their inherently high moisture, low protein and low carbohydrate contents, pineapple flesh and pineapple peels are the least suitable substrates for H. illucens survival and growth in the study.