They are the larval stage of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens). While the word "larvae" might remind people of houseflies, BSFL are entirely different. They are clean, high-protein organisms native to Australia that spend their lives eating organic matter, making them one of the most efficient nutrient recyclers on the planet.

If kept in a cool, dark place, the larvae remain in their larval stage for quite a while. If they do reach maturity, the adult Black Soldier Fly is actually a beneficial insect. Unlike houseflies, adults do not have mouths, do not bite, do not carry diseases, and are not attracted to human food. Their only goal is to find a friend and start the cycle again.

Nutritionally, BSFL are the "superfood" of the insect world.

• Calcium: They contain up to 50x more calcium than mealworms, which is vital for bone health in reptiles and strong eggshells in chickens.

• Lauric Acid: They are rich in medium-chain fatty acids that have natural antimicrobial properties, helping to boost your animals' immune systems.

• Ease of Care: They don't jump, chirp, or require constant feeding like crickets do.

They are a perfect staple or treat for a wide variety of animals. Anything that is naturally insectivorous will love BSFL:

• Poultry: Chickens, ducks, quails, and turkeys.

• Reptiles: Bearded dragons, blue-tongue lizards, geckos, and turtles.

• Aquaculture: Silver Perch, Barramundi, and ornamental pond fish.

• Amphibians: Frogs and axolotls.

At The Acreage Project, our larvae are fed a strictly controlled diet of spent brewers' grain from local partners and surplus fruits and vegetables from local grocers. This ensures a clean, high-nutrient product that supports our local circular economy.