Black soldier flies are a common and ubiquitous species with a wide geographic range. However, they still have a specific set of environmental conditions that is most favorable for their survival and development. Sufficient ambient light is necessary for adult mating, with an optimal irradiance of over 200 micromoles /m2/s. Spectral composition of the light is also very important. Larvae spend most of their time buried in their substrate and do not need light. A substrate moisture content of 60-70% (w : w) is best for larvae, while relative air humidity of 60% is needed for successful egg hatching. The lowest acceptable temperatures range between 12 and 16°C for eggs and between 10 and 19°C for larvae, while optimal temperatures range from 27°C – 33°C. Feeding larvae produce metabolic heat; therefore, they are exposed to temperatures above ambient. Tolerance to cold temperatures, especially those below freezing, is low in this species.