This study was conducted to investigated the distribution and ecological character of Black Soldier Fly(BSF), Hermetia illucens, to determine effects of BSF on composing ability to waste-food. The distribution of BSF was defined in all parts of the country in Korea. Its main habitat was found to be areas near cattle sheds, manure sheds, living waste dump grounds, and food waste dump grounds. Observed characteristics of BSF by developmental stage may be summarized as follows: eggs were a long oval shape of 886.9±19.7 ㎛ in major axis and 190.1±9.7 ㎛ in minor axis; they were 24.0±1.6 ㎍ in weight. One adult insect laid 1001±247 eggs in quantity; days to hatch from eggs (27℃, 60% R.H.) were 81.3±12.5 hours. Larvae which were hatched appeared to be close to white and turned into pale yellow as being last instar larva. Last instar larva ranged from 20.7±1.1 mm in size, the length of larval stage was approximately 15～20 days. Pupae exhibited red brown, 19.2±1.1 mm in size; pupal state lasted 15.5±1.4 days for female, 14.7±1.4 days for male, exhibiting the tendency of males having shorter period than females. Adult insects were sized about 13～20 mm and colored black.

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the simultaneous detection and differentiation among Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae in honeybee. Three sets of primers were selected from different genomic sequences to specifically amplify a 831 bp amplicon within the SSU rRNA gene, specific for both N. apis and N. ceranae (MSSR primer); a 375 bp amplicon within the SSU rRNA gene, specific for N. apis (NA primer); and a 1,131 bp amplicon within SSU rRNA gene, specific for N. ceranae (NC primer). Using the primers in conjunction (multiplex PCR) we were able to N. apis and N. ceranae and to differentiate between them. The sensitivity of this PCR assay was approximately 102 spores per milliliter. We proposed that the multiplex PCR was sensitive, specific and rapid tool that can serve as a useful differential diagnostic tool for detecting N. apis and N. ceranae in honeybee.

This study was conducted to investigate the distribution pattern, ecological characteristics and life cycle of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF). The BSF was widely distributed throughout Korea. The insect was mainly found in the vicinity of and in cattle sheds, manure sheds, living waste dump grounds, and food waste dump grounds. Developmental characteristics of the BSF are as follows: the egg was long oval shaped of 887㎛ in the major axis and 190㎛ in the minor axis; it weighed 24㎍. Female oviposited ca. 1,000 eggs on average; eggs hatched in 81 hours under laboratory condition (27℃, 60% R.H.). The duration of the larval stage was approximately 15-20 days. The size of the last instar larvae was 21mm. The cuticle of the pupae gradually acquired red-brown color and the size of them was 19 mm. The pupal stage was shorter for females (16 days) than males (15 days). Adults were sized about 13-20mm long and black-colored. The life span of adult insects was 5-8 days for the first generation (June-July), 7-10 days for the second generation (Aug.-Sept.), and 13-18 days for the third generation (Sept.-Oct.). Mating started on the next day of emergence and actively occurred at the third day after emergence. Mating mostly occurred between 10:00 and 16:00 during which light intensity is highest. Egg-laying started on the third day and was most frequent from the fourth to the sixth day after emergence. Similar to mating time, females oviposited mostly between 10:00 and 16:00.

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the simultaneous detection and differentiation among Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae in honeybee. Three sets of primers were selected from different genomic sequences to specifically amplify a 831 bp amplicon within the SSU rRNA gene, specific for both N. apis and N. ceranae (MSSR primer); a 375 bp amplicon within the SSU rRNA gene, specific for N. apis (NA primer); and a 1,131 bp amplicon with in SSU rRNA gene, specific for N. ceranae (NC primer). Using the primers in conjunction (multiplex PCR) we were able to N. apis and N. ceranae and to differentiate between them. The sensitivity of this PCR assay was approximately 102spores per milliliter. We proposed that the multiplex PCR was sensitive, specific and rapid tool that can serve as a useful differential diagnostic tool for detecting N. apis and N. ceranae in honeybee.

In order to establish artificial indoor rearing techniques for the black soldier fly (BSF), we developed indoor rearing instructions and collection manual for each developmental stage of the fly. The fly collection was conducted between June and October at 1 month interval. Calf feed and food waste were most effective to attract adults. Collection efficiency is higher from the trap installed in a shady spot than that in an open spot. It was highest to collect flies in August and September. As the egg-laying medium for the artificial egg collection, calf feed and food waste were most effective. The optimal number of the medium (W*D*H=60*40*15cm) was 8 for 2000 adults (male:Female=1:1) in the egg-laying net (W*D*H=4*2*2m). Flower foams and wooden blocks with holes were used as egg-laying sites. Adult females preferred the holes on average 3～5mm in diameter and 7～10mm in depth for oviposition. Larvae reared in low density (2～4 individuals/㎠) showed superior practical traits than those reared in an overcrowded environment (6～10 individuals/㎠). It is important to place the fly pupae in moist sawdusts (humidity: 20~40%), since a pupa tends to hide in a refuge. Adult insects should be employed for laying eggs for food waste processing immediately after emergence. When treated at 10℃ for 10 days after pupation, emergence rate of the insect was still 93.3%. By keeping pupae at the low temperature, emergence timing could be manipulated with about 10 day flexibility.