Insect breeding - big crawling: Little effort - many advantages
Small ecological footprint
Insect farming is a remarkably sustainable solution that uses minimal resources, produces low greenhouse gas emissions and provides a renewable source of protein for a greener and more resilient future.
Using existing resources
Empty barns or other agricultural buildings can be easily adapted and used for insect breeding.
Reusing food waste and use it efficiently
Do large quantities of organic waste accumulate on your farm? Perfect as food for breeding insects.
Additional income for your farm
Insect farming is simple and energy-saving, yet a good additional income can be generated.
Protein-rich food source for humans and animals
Insects have a protein content that can equal or exceed that of beef, providing a sustainable alternative for those seeking a high-protein diet.
Space-saving and quickly scalable
On average, around 12 times less land is needed to produce the same amount of protein from insects as from beef, which illustrates the significantly lower land requirement for protein production from insects.
We are convinced that insect farming is part of the solution to our global problems.
Would you like more information about insect breeding?
Superheroes that grow fast: The growth cycle of your insects
The black soldier fly
Hermetia illucens
The life cycle of the black soldier fly is relatively short and can be completed within 30 to 40 days, depending on temperature and food availability.
The fast life cycle and ability to eat different types of organic waste makes them valuable for sustainable waste management, composting and the production of protein-rich feed and valuable by-products in insect breeding systems.
1 – 4 days
The larvae hatch from the oval eggs of the soldier fly
Female flies can lay between 320 and 1000 eggs. At 27-30° the approx. 1 to 2 mm large larvae hatch after approx. 4 days.
13 – 18 days
The larvae grow and increase in size.
In the larval stage, they eat organic waste voraciously and their rapid growth leads to a considerable increase in weight. BSFL can increase their weight by a factor of 200 or more within a few weeks.
7 days
Pre-pupal stage - the larvae pupate.
When the larvae are 27 to 37 mm in size, they have completed the larval stage and pupate. At this stage, they stop feeding and become inactive.
10 – 30 days
The pupal stage
The pupae are typically reddish-brown and elongated and about 8 to 10 mm long. During the pupal stage, considerable internal changes occur as the larvae undergo metamorphosis and develop into adult flies.
5 – 8 Tage
The black soldier fly is fully grown.
The adult fly no longer feeds, but only needs water occasionally. It looks for a partner and begins to lay eggs.
The mealworm
Tenebrio molitor
The life cycle of mealworms from egg to adult takes about 1 to 3 months. Mealworms are robust and adaptable insects.
As adult beetles, mealworms have fully developed wings, which they rarely use to fly. Instead, they are able to crawl and climb on surfaces. Mealybugs are mainly nocturnal and seek out dark, sheltered areas during the day.
4 – 18 days
The mealworm eggs are about 1 millimeter long and weigh less than 1 milligram.
The eggs are usually laid in batches in dark & warm environments
2 - 5 months
Mealworm larvae hatch at a length of around 2 to 4 millimeters and can be 25 to 30 millimeters long when fully mature.
The weight of the larvae increases significantly at this stage. They feed mainly on various organic substances such as cereals, oats, wheat bran and vegetables. During this period, 6 to 19 moults can be observed!
6 - 18 days
When mealworm larvae reach their final stage, they enter the pupal stage.
The pupa is a non-feeding transitional stage in which the mealworm undergoes a metamorphosis to transform into an adult beetle. The pupal stage normally lasts about 6 to 18 days.
2 – 3 months
After completing the pupal stage, the mealworm transforms into an adult beetle.
The adult flour beetle has a distinctive shape with a small, elongated body. The length of an adult flour beetle is between 12 and 18 millimeters.
How insect breeding works with aoe
aoe supports you from the development of your breeding to the sale of your products.
1.
Set up an insect farm
aoe helps you to set up your own breeding facility. The breeding system is individually adapted to your premises and your needs.
2.
Successful breeding with know-how from aoe
In order to breed quickly and successfully, aoe imparts the knowledge and helps you step by step with your breeding!
3.
Selling your products
aoe helps you sell your products* so that you can quickly generate additional income. We take care of contracts and supply chains.
*currently only available for Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Mealworms for beginners!
Discover insect breeding with the Explore kit at a special aoe price.
Are you interested in breeding insects on your farm? Contact us without obligation and give us information about you and your business so that we can prepare for an initial consultation.
Insects are a highly sustainable source of protein, requiring minimal resources and leaving a small carbon footprint. They are rich in nutrients and their consumption can help address food security and environmental challenges.
Yes, many cultures around the world have been eating insects for centuries. If they come from reputable farms, insects are safe for human consumption.
Insects have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional livestock farming. They require less land, water and feed and cause fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Like any food, insects can trigger allergies in some people. If you have a known allergy, you should exercise caution and consult a doctor.
Popular edible insects include crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers and black soldier flies. These insects are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
The taste of insects can vary depending on the species and preparation. In general, they have a mild, nutty flavor that can be enhanced by spices.
Breeding insects at home is possible, but requires specialist knowledge, suitable facilities and compliance with safety and hygiene guidelines. It is advisable to start with reputable sources for breeding animals.
Insect farming is resource-efficient as it requires less water, feed and land and produces lower greenhouse gas emissions than the farming of other livestock. It contributes to food security, protects biodiversity and promotes the circular economy by recycling waste.
Yes, insects are increasingly being used in animal feed. They are a sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional feed sources and contribute to healthier animal production.
Poultry, pigs and in aquaculture, insects can be used as a source of protein for livestock. Ruminants such as cattle must not be fed with insects.
Insects are highly digestible due to their composition and bioavailability of nutrients. In terms of digestibility, they are comparable or even superior to many vegetable protein sources.
Compared to traditional animal husbandry, insect farming is generally considered less ethically questionable. However, it is important to ensure the proper care and welfare of the insects throughout their life cycle.