Dark Worm is Black Soldier Fly Larva

A reader just asked us to identify the creature in these photos:

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The specimen is relatively small compared to the cigarette box. It is brown, very round, and tear shaped. This is a black soldier fly larva, sometimes referred to as BSFL! These larvae are often used for composting because they can convert high-nutrient waste into animal feed. They are not harmful to humans, and if our reader found this creature in her compost bin, that means it is hard at work breaking down organic matter.

In summary, a reader discovered this brown creature and was curious about what it could be. We are confident that this is a black soldier fly larva.

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