Lessons
Black soldier fly basics
Start with the insect, its lifecycle and the language used around black soldier fly production. The larval stage feeds on suitable organic material, which makes breeding, nursing and rearing separate jobs. The lessons move from biology and terminology to regulation and the first business picture.
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Course introduction
A short introduction to the basics course and how the lessons fit together.
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A first look at black soldier fly
What the insect is, where the larvae grow and why suitable organic material is the starting point.
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Terminology used in the course
A companion walkthrough of the vocabulary used across the introduction course.
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Biology and life stages
The five life stages and the terms for eggs, larvae, prepupae, pupae and adult flies.
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Process terminology
The words used for breeding, nursing, rearing, harvesting and preparing material.
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BSF 101: a beginner's guide
A starting tutorial that connects the lifecycle to practical rearing methods and the value the process can create.
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From first interest to a planned operation
A recorded session on how a BSF project moves from curiosity to a real plan.
Watch the lesson video: From first interest to a planned operation
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Industry terminology
The terms used in BSF business and production, so later lessons stay clear.
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Legislation and regulation 101
Why permitted inputs and product uses depend on local rules, and what to check before planning.
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BSF Power 101: turning waste handling into a business
Why BSF attracts interest, how it compares with other insects and what a case can include on the income and cost side.
Watch the lesson video: BSF Power 101: turning waste handling into a business
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Episode 1: a simplified scheme overview
A podcast overview of BSF farming as a process and a business.
Watch the lesson video: Episode 1: a simplified scheme overview
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Episode 2: the life cycle
A podcast summary of the black soldier fly life cycle.
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Episode 3: what the larvae eat
A podcast summary of suitable feed materials and how larvae use them.
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Episode 5: jobs and roles in insect farming
A podcast summary of the roles insect farming can create.
Watch the lesson video: Episode 5: jobs and roles in insect farming
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How to get started
Basic guidance on the first practical steps once an opportunity looks worth investigating.
Using the material
Biology is only the starting point
Lifecycle timing and growth change with feed, temperature, moisture and the production method. An introduction cannot predict results for a particular stream or location.
Before applying a general lesson, test the actual material and confirm the local rules for both inputs and outputs.
Keep exploring
Related topics and pages
Ask about a case
Turn the basics into practical questions
Manna can help define what needs to be checked before a team moves from learning to trials or facility planning.