Incredible males!

BSF male behavior plays a crucial role in understanding reproductive performance and overall breeding efficiency. Observing how male Black Soldier Flies interact, compete, and reproduce provides valuable insights into factors that influence mating success. In particular, behavioral patterns can be linked to physiological traits such as age, energy reserves, and body size.

We often wonder whether BSF males 1) have less sperm production due to ageing and non-feeding stage; 2) if sperm production is related to the body size.

While all wonder might be wrong.

An article from University of Tours, France, has drawn us attention.

• The width (size) of the testis decreases over time in virgin black soldier fly males.
• Sperm are present immediately after emergence.
• Sperm counts increase in virgin males, at least until 20 days.
• Sperm counts is correlated with age, but not related to males body size.
• The minimum sperm count is 3125 for 0-day-old male
• The maximum count is 52183 for 20-day-old male

Thinking practically, aging males might have lower sperm quality, impacting offspring development.

Although the research doesn’t provide definitive answers, interestingly, industry data suggests that eggs collected on day 9 (post-emergence) have lower hatchability compared to those collected on day 4.

Let’s stay curious and keep exploring the fascinating world of insect dynamics! ?? #Entomology #ResearchUpdate

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