Black soldier flies are some incredibly useful insects. In the pupa stage, they are great sources of protein for lizards and other animals, but if they grow into adulthood, they can keep houseflies and other insects from populating in an area. They are not attracted to humans, so they are not pesky and carry a very low likelihood of transmitting diseases. They are amazing creatures and delicious for your reptiles to feed on. Let’s take a look at how you should care for these great feeder insects.

Feeding Your Larvae

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can survive without food if you are raising them for feeder insects. They are very high in calcium and are great options to feed not only reptiles but also fish, birds, chickens, and other animals that usually eat worms or grubs. If you decide that you would like them to be a little larger before feeding them to your pets, you can feed them bananas or other soft fruits.

Extending the BSFL Lifespan as a Feeder

The BSFL can keep for about 2 weeks at room temperature, but if you want to extend their lifespan, you can keep them chilled at about 50-55°. At temperatures below 50°, they become inactive and their chances for survival are very low, sometimes lasting only a few hours.

Keep Them out of the Sun

BSFL does not do well in direct sunlight, so keep them out of windows or bright spaces. They also like to feed about 8 or 9 inches deep in their food source, so make sure you have some substrate available for them to dig into.

If you are looking to purchase some BSFL for your reptile or any other animal, look no further than ABDragons. We raise superior feeder insects that will deliver a healthy source of vitamins and proteins to your prized pet. Contact us today to order your black soldier fly larvae feeder insects!

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