Abstract
Larvae of Hermetia illucens Linnaeus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), the black soldier fly (BSF), or one of two commercial feeds were offered to three randomized groups of hatchling American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis Daudin) (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae) for three months and their growth monitored. Statistical analysis of weight (g) (Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis Test) and snout-vent length (cm) (Welch ANOVA F-test) increases were significantly greater in groups of alligators fed 56% protein/11 % fat or 45% protein/8% fat commercial feeds versus alligators fed BSF. Based on these results, BSF can not be recommended as a complete replacement for commercial feeds in young alligators.
Recommended Citation
Bodri, Michael and Cole, Elizabeth R.
(2007)
"Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) as Feed for the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis Daudin),"
Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 65, No. 2, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol65/iss2/5