What is this??

LWilliams 6/21/2011, 2:52 pm

I was prepared for worms and maggots in my compost but these aren't what I envisioned! They're about an inch long and hard to crush. What are they and are they supposed to be there?
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**Kelejan** 6/21/2011, 3:03 pm

I don't know what they are but they do not look very nice. I hope someone helps you out real quick.

pattipan 6/21/2011, 7:37 pm

I don't see any legs, so I am wondering if it could be some type of insect larva/pupa case? They usually have a very hard shell. As to what the final insect would be, I'm not sure I want to know! affraid

pattipan

sherryeo 6/21/2011, 7:49 pm

EEEWWWWWWWWWW!!!!! I'm not sure I still even WANT a compost pile any more! affraid

busygirl 6/21/2011, 7:53 pm

black soldier fly larva?

What is this?? MRQHGRSHGRTLZZ2LJLDZSRPLRZCZLZWLLZOLZZTLIZ0HSZSHGRDL6RHHPRRH0ZRH5RKH4RVL4R

Black soldier fly maggots (larvae, more information) [picture of black soldier fly maggot]
can be found in some compost bins. These large maggots often startle
those new to composting but they cause no harm. The maggots may indicate
the presence of meat or fat in the compost, neither of which should
ever be added to your bin.

LWilliams 6/21/2011, 8:57 pm

Thanks Busygirl! It does look a bit like that black soldier fly larvae, but there is NO meat or fat in the compost. I haven't even used veggies scraped off plates because I was afraid of contaminating the compost. It does have very small legs on each segment I think though I didn't turn it over to look! All I can say is that must be one heck of a fly if the larvae is an inch long!!

pattipan 6/21/2011, 9:01 pm

I am so grossed out now. I should have known better than to look for more info on black soldier fly larvae. Apparently they are beneficial to your compost and some folks even farm them. Sounds like something Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs would love!

http://www.happydranch.com/articles/Soldier_Fly.htm

Now I am going to go look at pictures of baby vegetables...kittens..puppies...anything cute for the rest of the night.

pattipan

**camprn** 6/21/2011, 9:13 pm

pattipan wrote:I am so grossed out now. I should have known better than to look for more info on black soldier fly larvae. Apparently they are beneficial to your compost and some folks even farm them. Sounds like something Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs would love!

http://www.happydranch.com/articles/Soldier_Fly.htm

Now I am going to go look at pictures of baby vegetables...kittens..puppies...anything cute for the rest of the night.

pattipan

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