extension.entm.purdue.edu/publicatio.../E-276.html
Perdue University
Black soldier flies are one of the most versatile insects that can be used to upcycle organic waste materials. This non-pest insect is native to the neotropics, commonly found throughout the southern portions of the US and now globally. The adult flies are harmless and do not feed, but they mimic the appearance of wasps (Fig. 1). The immature leggless stage of the fly, called larvae or maggots (Fig. 2), are decomposers. They feed on a wide range of organic materials, including manure, spent grains from brewing, household food waste, grocery or restaurant waste, paper mill sludge, and carrion (dead animals). BSF can be used to compost organic waste, creating nutrient-rich soil amendments by harvesting the digestate and serving as feed for animals by harvesting the immature flies (larvae or pupae).