FIRST RECORD OF HERMETIA ILLUCENS (LINNAEUS, 1758) – BLACK SOLDIER FLY, FROM NEPAL

Abstract

Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758)- Black soldier fly is a beneficial insect which has been used in simple systems, to treat organic waste efficiently and rapidly, and to produce animal feed ingredient and fertilizer as end products. These flies are naturally found in warmer parts of the globe. The incidence of Black soldier fly was recorded for the first time in Nepal in between April and May 2020 in the sub urban area of Chitwan District, Nepal. Identification of the insect was done in the Laboratory of Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. Both adult and larval forms of the insect were identified based on the study of morphological characteristics of captured specimens using simple microscope and stereomicroscope. The record of this insect in Nepal opens up a new dimension for its use in bio-systems to treat organic waste and produce more sustainable ingredient for animal feeding, and rich fertilizer to be used in agriculture.