Biology of black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on muskmelon fruit

Life history of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens was studied under laboratory conditions at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, UAHS, Shivamogga, Karnataka. The incubation, total larval and pupal period were observed to be 5–7, 25–30 and 10–60 days, respectively. Fecundity was observed to be 555–650 eggs laid in a single clutch, with hatchability being 40–70%. The total life cycle of male and female lasted for 47–106 and 57–120 days, respectively.