Black Soldier Fly Larvae Care Guide Australia
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are one of the easiest feeder insects to keep on hand — low mess, low odour, and naturally calcium-rich more so then any other feeder. If you're new to feeding them, a few basics make all the difference.
This guide covers everything you need for day-to-day BSFL care and feeding. For a wider look at all the feeder insects available in Australia, see our complete guide to feeder insects in Australia.
Quick takeaway: BSFL are the larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) — naturally high in calcium, easy to digest thanks to a soft exoskeleton, and low-maintenance to store. Keep them cool but not too cold.
What Are Black Soldier Fly Larvae
BSFL are the larval stage of the black soldier fly, a species that doesn't bite, sting, or carry disease in either its larval or adult form. As a feeder, what sets them apart is their natural nutritional profile — they're one of the few feeder insects that come with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio basically ideal for reptiles, rather than needing to be corrected with dusting.
Storage and Shelf Life
BSFL keep well with very little effort. At room temperature they stay usable for 1-2 weeks before starting to darken and pupate. Kept somewhere cool (around 15°) and they'll last up to a couple of weeks longer. Never refrigerate, as temps that low can kill them quickly. For the full breakdown, see how to store black soldier fly larvae.
To store BSFL, a small plastic container or tub works well. Wheat bran or oat bran usually make a good substrate choice. If you want to keep them fed, you can offer them some fresh soft vegetables, cucumber and zucchini work well. They may also eat harder bodied vegetables like carrots, although this is a bit more difficult for them.
Why They're Naturally Calcium-Rich
Most feeder insects carry more phosphorus than calcium, which is why dusting is so often recommended. BSFL are the exception — their natural calcium-to-phosphorus balance is already great for reptiles, and their softer exoskeleton makes them easier to digest than harder-bodied feeders like mealworms or superworms. For the full nutritional picture, see black soldier fly larvae nutritional benefits.
Feeding and Suitability
Their soft body and manageable sizing make BSFL a good fit for a wider range of reptiles and ages than tougher feeders — as a rule of thumb, choose larvae no larger than the gap between your reptile's eyes. They're also fairly sedentary compared to crickets or roaches, so some reptiles respond better when they're offered with feeding tongs. For portion sizes and frequency, see how many black soldier fly larvae to feed your reptile and our bearded dragon feeding guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (there aren't many, BSFL are great and easy).
- Storing them too cold
- Storing them too hot
- Choosing a larva size too large for a small or young reptile
For the complete list with explanations, see common black soldier fly larvae feeding mistakes.
Getting Started With Black Soldier Fly Larvae
We at Reptifauna offer black soldier fly larvae with freight across Australia (excl. WA & TAS). You can find more info below:
Browse the wider range in our black soldier fly larvae collection, or compare them against other feeders in our guide to choosing the best feeder insects for Australian reptiles.
Final Thoughts
Black soldier fly larvae are about as low-effort as feeders get — naturally calcium-rich, easy to digest, and relatively simple to store. Get the storage temperature right and they're a very convenient addition to your feeding rotation, and a great staple.
Browse the full complete guide to feeder insects in Australia, or see best feeder insects for Australian reptiles to compare your options.