Immune response in the larvae of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens

The black soldier fly Hermetia illucens is an ecological decomposer used for biodegradation of organic waste. Its larvae can develop on a wide range of decaying plant and animal matter, including manure and food scraps, i.e., habitats that are extremely rich in various microorganisms. Living in such conditions requires very well-functioning immune mechanisms. However, the immune response processes have not been examined so far in H. illucens larvae. In order to shed light on the immune system in the black soldier fly, in the present study we have examined H. illucens hemocytes and analyzed the effects of immune challenge of H. illucens larvae on the activity of the key components of insect humoral immune response, i.e., phenoloxidase, lysozyme, and antimicrobial peptides.