Data underlying the publication: Preference of black soldier fly larvae for feed substrate previously colonised by conspecific larvae

We examined attraction of different instars via dual-choice tests in the dark with the use of video recordings. Larval choices were identified based on first substrate contact, cumulative number of substrate contacts, entry of the substrate and number of larvae present in a substrate over time

Data underlying the publication: Preference of black soldier fly larvae for feed substrate previously colonised by conspecific larvae

We examined attraction of different instars via dual-choice tests in the dark with the use of video recordings. Larval choices were identified based on first substrate contact, cumulative number of substrate contacts, entry of the substrate and number of larvae present in a substrate over time. </p

Preference of black soldier fly larvae for feed substrate previously colonised by conspecific larvae

The black soldier fly Hermetia illucens Linnaeus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae; BSF) is gaining interest as an alternative protein ingredient for livestock feed. Larval aggregation behaviour occurs commonly in larvae of various dipteran species. However, the cues initiating aggregation behaviour and its occurrence in subsequent larval instars are still unknown in BSF larvae. Here, we focus on understanding the attraction of larvae to cues left behind in the substrate by conspecific larvae. We developed a dual-choice test in the dark and examined the preference behaviour of different instars with the use of video recordings. Larval choices were identified based on first substrate contact, cumulative number of substrate contacts, entry of the substrate and number of larvae present in a substrate over time. Our results demonstrate that BSF larvae discriminated between similar substrates with or without cues released by conspecifics, with a strong preference for previously colonised substrates. Our results also showed a difference in behaviour between head-capsule classes. Substrate contacts occurred more frequently in larvae from a lower head-capsule class and the number of larvae present in a substrate over time differed between the head-capsule classes 0.71–0.80 mm and 0.91–1.00 mm. Demonstrating arrestment in response to chemical cues from conspecifics is the first step of understanding aggregation behaviour of BSF larvae and offers opportunities to identify the chemical cues involved

Data underlying the publication: Preference of black soldier fly larvae for feed substrate previously colonised by conspecific larvae

We examined attraction of different instars via dual-choice tests in the dark with the use of video recordings. Larval choices were identified based on first substrate contact, cumulative number of substrate contacts, entry of the substrate and number of larvae present in a substrate over time. </p

Data underlying the publication: Preference of black soldier fly larvae for feed substrate previously colonised by conspecific larvae

We examined attraction of different instars via dual-choice tests in the dark with the use of video recordings. Larval choices were identified based on first substrate contact, cumulative number of substrate contacts, entry of the substrate and number of larvae present in a substrate over time. </p

Dynamics of seminal fluid production after mating

Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) play vital roles for optimizing reproductive success in diverse animals. Underlining their significance, SFP production and transfer are highly plastic, e.g., depending on the presence of rivals or mating status of partners. However, surprisingly little is known about replenishing SFPs after mating. This is especially relevant in species that mate multiple times, as they continuously produce and use SFPs throughout their reproductive life. Here we examined the expression pattern of SFP genes after mating in the great pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. Our results show that two out of the six SFP genes investigated here were upregulated 1 week after mating. Surprisingly, most SFP genes did not change their expression immediately after mating. Even after 1 week, when supposedly seminal fluid is fully replenished, the expression of SFP genes is rather high. In addition, the difference with previous studies hints at the possibility that SFP production after mating is plastic and depends on the mating history of female-acting snails. Our results shed light on unexplored aspects of SFP production, thereby expanding the understanding of reproductive strategies in animals.</p