Microbial dynamics and vertical transmission of Escherichia coli across consecutive life stages of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

The aim of the study was to investigate the microbial dynamics throughout different black soldier fly life stages and its associated substrate and frass, using both culture-dependent and culture-independent (16S rRNA gene sequencing) techniques to gain insight in the microbial counts and bacterial community dynamics, respectively. In addition, an initial case study on vertical transmission of Escherichia coli was conducted and the impact of introduction of E. coli on the bacterial community composition of the BSF, the substrate and the frass was examined.