Interesting Info on the Golden Fly, Hermetia illucens

Size and Weight of the Golden Fly During Life


The development and weight of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) vary significantly across its lifecycle stages. Below is an overview of weight and dimensions during each phase:

1. Egg Stage

  • Duration: Approximately 4-7 days

  • Weight: Minimal weight; eggs are very small (about 1-2 mm in diameter) and weigh around 0.002 grams.

  • Dimensions: Eggs are roughly 1-2 mm in length.

2. Larval Stage

  • Duration: Typically 14-30 days, depending on environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and food availability).

  • Weight Changes:

  • Initial Weight: At hatching, larvae weigh about 0.002 grams.

  • Endpoint Weight: Fully grown larvae can weigh between 0.5 to 0.8 grams.

  • Dimensions: Larvae reach lengths of 2-4 cm by the end of this stage.

3. Pupal Stage

  • Duration: Around 7-14 days.

  • Weight Changes:

  • Weight Loss: During this stage, pupae may lose some weight compared to the larval stage, weighing around 0.3 to 0.5 grams.

  • Dimensions: Pupae typically measure about 1.5-2.5 cm in length.

4. Adult Stage

  • Duration: Adults live for approximately 5 to 8 days and do not feed.

  • Weight: Adult flies weigh approximately 0.1 grams.

  • Dimensions: Adult flies are about 1-2 cm in length.