Substrate Composition Effect on Growth of Cotinis Mutabilis Larvae: A Case for Detritivore Scarabs in the Insect Agriculture Industry

Abstract

Edible insects have great potential in alleviating some of the food insecurities that are increasing globally. Many cultures eat wild-harvested insects which is contributing to declining insect populations and increasingly fragile food webs and ecosystems. Insect agriculture (farming) is a solution to many associated issues with wild harvesting. Insect farming can also help reduce landfill loading with food loss and waste (FLW) which is nearly 33% of all food produced globally. Farming of detritivore insect species, those that can consume decaying organic material including manures, increases the economic and environmental sustainability of the insect agriculture industry. The Green Fig Beetle (Cotinis mutabilis, Scarabaeidae) is a native to the Sonoran Desert in the United States of America and Mexico. This study explored the effects of organic waste diets on the growth and survivorship of the larvae to evaluate if C. mutabilis is a viable and sustainable candidate for insect farming. Scarabs are found globally and have similar life histories; therefore, this study can be used for modeling rearing protocols, especially in arid regions.