Considerations for designing and performing insect larvae production experiments

David Deruytter; Carl Coudron; Viktoria Wiklicky; Somaya Naser El Deen; Meggie Van Peer; Christos Rumbos; Daniela A. Peguero; Christina Adamaki-Sotiraki; Christos Athanassiou; Teun Veldkamp; Christoph Sandrock; Wael Yakti

Considerations for designing and performing insect larvae production experiments

In: BugBook

Authors:

David Deruytter

David Deruytter Insect Research Centre, Inagro, Ieperseweg 87, Rumbeke-Beitem, Belgium

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Carl Coudron

Carl Coudron Insect Research Centre, Inagro, Ieperseweg 87, Rumbeke-Beitem, Belgium

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Viktoria Wiklicky

Viktoria Wiklicky Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden

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Somaya Naser El Deen

Somaya Naser El Deen Wageningen Livestock Research, De Elst 1, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands

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Meggie Van Peer

Meggie Van Peer Centre of Expertise Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium

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Christos Rumbos

Christos Rumbos School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Patras, 30200, Mesolongi, Greece

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Daniela A. Peguero

Daniela A. Peguero Department Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dubendorf, Switzerland

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Christina Adamaki-Sotiraki

Christina Adamaki-Sotiraki Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446, Volos, Greece

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Christos Athanassiou

Christos Athanassiou Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446, Volos, Greece

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Teun Veldkamp

Teun Veldkamp Wageningen Livestock Research, De Elst 1, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands

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Christoph Sandrock

Christoph Sandrock Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland

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, and

Wael Yakti

Wael Yakti Urban Plant Ecophysiology Division, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lentzeallee 55, 14195 Berlin, Germany

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 78–100

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004760790_006

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Abstract

This article of the BugBook provides guidance and addresses challenges towards conducting experiments that aim to optimize the production of insects for food and feed, focusing exclusively on Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm) and Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly). The goal is to improve the reliability, reproducibility, and efficiency of insect production experiments. This reduces the human and financial resources needed, improves quality, and ensure the broader implementation of the results. Importantly, these guidelines are based on both data from literature and from unpublished experiences of the authors. Most aspects of the experimental systems are discussed, starting with methods to ensure that the laboratory conditions correct, followed by the experimental design and setup, including a focus on the control group, scale, and number of replicates. Thereafter, information is provided on the different aspects that need to be monitored during the experiment and how to conclude or harvest an experiment. The latter includes a discussion on the various criteria for determining the optimal harvest time. Finally, common challenges in working on insect larvae are identified and guidelines towards relevant publication information are provided.

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BugBook

Practical Guidelines and Research Methods on Insects for Food and Feed

Series: Series of Insects as Food and Feed

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004760790

Publisher:: Wageningen Academic

Print Publication Date:: 12 Mar 2026

Subjects
- Life Sciences
  - General

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Considerations for designing and performing insect larvae production experiments

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BugBook

Practical Guidelines and Research Methods on Insects for Food and Feed

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