Intestinal Microbiota and Functional Characteristics of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia Illucens)

Abstract Purpose: Black soldier fly transforms organic waste into insect protein and fat, which makes it valuable to ecological utilization. This process is associated with intestinal microbiota. This research was developed to determine the type and functional characteristics of intestinal microbiota present in black soldier fly larvae. Methods: In this research, metagenomics has been used to study black soldier fly larvae gut bacteria, which involves the high abundance of the gut microbes advantage bacterium group, the impact, and physiological functions of the microbiota. Furthermore, intestinal bacteria and their related functions were investigated by bioinformatics analysis to evaluate potential the microbial strains that may be used to improve feed utilization efficiency in factory farming. Result: The results showed that black soldier fly larvae´ intestine contains more than 11,000 bacteria. High relative abundance of group W (larvae fed with 75% wheat bran and 25% soybean powder) may promote feed utilization efficiency, whereas high relative abundance of group T microbiota (larvae fed with 75% wheat bran and 25% soybean powder supplemented with 1% tetracycline) may play an important role in black soldier fly larvae survival. Conclusion: The gut bacteria in black soldier fly larvae were involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis and metabolism, translation, membrane transport, energy metabolism, cytoskeleton, extracellular structures, inorganic ion transport and metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and coenzyme transport physiological processes. The 35 significant differential microbes in group W may have a positive impact in feed utilization and physiological process.