Black soldier fly bullet

Abstract

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for long-term storage, shipping, and stable production of black soldier flies, capable of use in waste remediation or protein production. The invention overcomes drawbacks associated with current methods of using black soldier flies, significantly increasing the period during which black soldier fly neonates can be stored and the time in which larvae mature.

1 . A composition for storage or shipping of black soldier fly larvae, comprising:
 a) a container;   b) a layer of fermented nutrient source in the bottom of the container;   c) black soldier fly larvae on top of the layer of fermented nutrient source;   d) a layer of dry nutrient source on top of the black soldier fly larvae; and   e) a cover on top of the container that allows air to pass into and out of the container.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the container
 i) is about 500 ml in size;   ii) has tapered sides;   iii) has straight sides;   iv) is impermeable to gas or liquid;   v) is comprised of glass, plastic or metal; or   vi) is activated anaerobically.   
     
     
         3 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the container has a void volume above the layer of dry nutrient source sufficient to maintain a constant moisture and temperature in the layer of fermented nutrient source. 
     
     
         6 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the nutrient source is about 50% wheat bran, 30% alfalfa meal and 20% corn meal by volume. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the fermented nutrient source is produced using a lactic acid bacteria to ferment the nutrient source. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the fermented nutrient source is produced using a plurality of species of lactic acid bacteria to ferment the nutrient source. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the lactic acid bacteria is selected from the group consisting of  Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii  subsp  bulgaricus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis  subsp  lactis  and  Streptococcus thermophilus.    
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein
 i) the nutrient source is fermented for at least 24 hours;   ii) is fermented anaerobically;   iii) is fermented at about 70% moisture; or   iv) is fermented at about 27° C.   
     
     
         13 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the lactic acid bacteria is activated using molasses and water. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 16 , wherein
 i) the ratio of lactic acid bacteria to molasses to water is about 1:1:20;   ii) the lactic acid bacteria is activated for at least one week; or   iii) the lactic acid bacteria is activated anaerobically.   
     
     
         18 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein about 15,000 black soldier fly larvae are used on top of the layer of fermented nutrient source. 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the black soldier fly larvae are between eclosion and 36 hours of eclosion, or wherein the black soldier fly neonate larvae have not molted. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method of storing or shipping black soldier fly larvae, comprising placing black soldier fly larvae between a layer of fermented nutrient source and a layer of dry nutrient source in a container with a cover that allows air to pass into and out of the container. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the black soldier fly larvae are stored
 i) for between about 2 weeks and about 5 months;   ii) for between about 4 weeks and about 6 weeks; or   iii) at about 27° C.   
     
     
         25 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 28 , further, comprising:
 c) collecting the black soldier fly larvae produced from said incubating step.   
     
     
         28 . A method of digesting organic material, comprising:
 a) inoculating organic material with a composition comprising:
 i) a fermented nutrient source; 
 ii) black soldier fly larvae; and 
 iii) a dry nutrient source; and 
   b) incubating the organic material for about 6 days.   
     
     
         29 . A media comprising a nutrient source and a probiotic culture comprising at least a first  lactobacillus.    
     
     
         30 . The media of  claim 29 , wherein the nutrient source comprises wheat bran, alfalfa meal and corn meal in a volume ratio of about 5:3:2. 
     
     
         31 . The media of  claim 29 , wherein the nutrient source and the probiotic culture are allowed to ferment for at least 24 hours under anaerobic conditions prior to use. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the organic material comprises organic waste.