Population genetics and domestication of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

Summary

Insect farming is on the rise to becoming a sustainable and economically viable food and feed industry. The black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) is poised as key species of interest due to its natural bioconversion properties. However, genetic screening and management is currently overlooked. Here, we present the first high coverage (22×) genome-wide assessment of a global sample of BSF individuals (n=54) belonging to both domesticated and wild lineages. We identify a pronounced population structure within BSF explained primarily by captivity status. Phylogenetic reconstruction reveals a deep divergence in BSF lineages. Patterns of introgression are strikingly absent between diverged lineages of wild and domesticated BSF. We also show that commercial activity is dominated by a particular lineage whilst wild populations harbour significant genetic diversity. Recent domestication has had a significant impact on shaping the genomic architecture of captive populations and has left signatures of selective sweeps throughout the genome. This study not only sheds light on the process of domestication but highlights the importance of genetic screening and the introduction of breeding programs to this novel industry.