Black soldier flies (mating pair)

Warm, humid habitats near decaying organic matter, compost, manure, and food waste; adults commonly rest on vegetation.

Adults have reduced, nonfunctional mouthparts and generally do not feed. Larvae consume decomposing organic material, including manure and kitchen waste.

Adults are short-lived and mate on vegetation; females lay eggs near suitable decaying material. Larvae develop through several stages, then migrate to dry areas to pupate.

They do not bite, sting, or transmit important human diseases, and are generally harmless. Larvae efficiently recycle organic waste and are used in composting, animal feed, and waste-management systems.