Global population genetic structure and demographic trajectories of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens

Summary

This is the first comprehensive population genetic study of the black soldier fly, a promising insect for nutrient recycling and sustainable protein production. Using microsatellite markers across 2,862 individuals from 150 populations in 57 countries, the authors identified 16 genetic clusters reflecting the species' South American origin, northwards range expansion in the Americas, and complex colonisation patterns globally via multiple independent and admixture-mediated routes. The work documents genetic signatures of domestication and ongoing introgression between farmed and wild populations, demonstrating that genetic resources in this emerging farmed insect remain substantially less characterised than conventional livestock.

Regional applicability

The study is global in scope and does not focus on United Kingdom-specific populations or conditions. However, the findings are relevant to UK policy and practice regarding insect farming development: the reduced genetic diversity in captive populations and evidence of introgression highlight the need for strategic genetic management and biosecurity protocols if black soldier fly farming expands in the United Kingdom, and the documented population structure could inform regulatory frameworks for contained rearing versus potential environmental release scenarios.

Key measures

Microsatellite genotypes (15 novel markers) from 2,862 individuals across 150 wild and captive populations; population structure analysis; genetic diversity metrics; demographic inference

Outcomes reported

The study characterised global population genetic structure of Hermetia illucens using microsatellite markers, identifying 16 distinct genetic clusters and documenting demographic expansion patterns, colonisation routes, and domestication signatures across 150 populations from 57 countries. The analysis revealed reduced genetic diversity in captive populations and evidence of introgression between farmed and wild populations in some regions.

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