Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Blue Black Soldier Flies.

Some insects like the Black Soldier Fly can be fed organic waste, bioconverting it into fertilizer and feed for animals - like chickens, or many freshwater fish - that eat insects in their natural diet. Insect farming could become, globally and at every scale, a nature-based solution for managing the increasing amount of organic waste, with the potential to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production. Insect farming represents a recent research field with a huge potential of reshaping the livestock landscape and promote a more regenerative land-based agriculture. The color and frequency of light can play a crucial role in the reproduction of Black Soldier Flies. In this picture, taken inside the laboratory of the University of Torino, blue light mimics natural daylight conditions to stimulate the flies' activity.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2022
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Carmagnola, Italy
Copyright: © Umberto Diecinove