An Artificial Light Source Influences Mating and Oviposition of Black Soldier Flies, Hermetia illucens

Current methods for mass-rearing black soldier flies, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), in the laboratory are dependent on sunlight. Quartz-iodine lamps and rare earth lamps were examined as artificial light sources for stimulating H. illucens to mate and lay eggs. Sunlight was used as the control. Adults in the quartz-iodine lamp treatment had a mating rate of 61% of those in the sunlight control. No mating occurred when the rare earth lamp was used as a substitute. Egg hatch for the quartz-iodine lamp and sunlight treatments occurred in approximately 4 days, and the hatch rate was similar between these two treatments. Larval and pupal development under these treatments required approximately 18 and 15 days at 28°° C, respectively. Development of methods for mass rearing of H. illucens using artificial light will enable production of this fly throughout the year without investing in greenhouse space or requiring sunlight

Urban greening for climate resilient and sustainable cities: grand challenges and opportunities

Urban greening plays a crucial role in enhancing climate resilience, environmental quality, public health, and societal wellbeing. Policy makers at all levels are increasingly embracing greening and other nature-based solutions; however, successful implementation of these approaches requires a multidisciplinary strategy involving collaboration, community engagement, and adaptive interventions. This paper synthesizes key insights from an expert panel, comprising representatives of government agencies, research institutions, private sector, and local authorities, forming an international panel of experts, convened by the RECLAIM Network Plus (https://www.reclaim-network.org). Funded by the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), this network project brings together over 650 members from 40 plus countries. It provides national leadership in urban greening, serving as a “one-stop-shop” for towns and cities to access green and blue infrastructure support, resources, and peer connections. The paper highlights grand challenges, priorities, successful case studies and opportunities in urban greening initiatives. The importance of strategic planning is also addressed, together with technological advancements and access to suitable data for maximizing the impact of green infrastructure as well as innovative funding models, such as corporate social responsibility and green finance. This work highlights the importance of an integrated, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to urban greening for more resilient, sustainable, and equitable cities. Further, it emphasizes the need for cross-sector collaboration among local authorities, researchers, and businesses, as well as community involvement in successful planning for both short- and long-term outcomes. Ultimately, urban greening strategies must be informed by future climate scenarios while prioritizing equity and social justice to ensure adaptation options benefitting all communities