Behaviour of two fly species reared for livestock feed: optimising production and insect welfare

The mass rearing of insects as animal feed is a new and rapidly growing component circular agriculture, which offers the opportunity to develop it in such way that promotes insect health welfare. Behaviour an important indicator performance In this review, we synthesise current behavioural knowledge on two saprophytic dipteran species are increasingly being used mini-livestock, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) housefly (Musca domestica). We evaluate behaviours need be considered optimise production welfare under mass-rearing conditions. distinguish between different life stages (adults larvae), describe their feeding behaviour, social interactions (adult mating, larval aggregation), oviposition behaviour possible cannibalism. For each species, review what known about these natural environments, how affected by abiotic factors or with conspecifics heterospecifics. also address flies’ microbiome pathogens can influence various aspects behaviour. Notable differences courtship mating distribution within substrates identified. These have implications for should rear industrial settings, mismatch conditions may induce environmental stress compromise productivity Escape aggregation possibly cannibalism stage frequency reproduction rate identified providing information adult flies. Finally, number currently still sparse, while safeguard conclude recommendations future research promote