How are black soldier flies larvae capable of converting substrate with low nutritional content into biomass prepupa that is rich in higher nutrients?

Question

The full sentence for that quote is;

> In general, black soldier flies larvae are capable of converting substrate with low nutritional content into biomass prepupa that is rich in higher nutrients such as crude protein (35.38 –6.59%), crude lipid (10.97-14.09%), and energy (≈ 4603 Kcal/kg), as well as low ash and fiber content so it has potential to be used as animal feed.

Source: [Growth performance and nutritional composition of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L), (Diptera : Stratiomyidae) reared on horse and sheep manure](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329054373_Growth_performance_and_nutritional_composition_of_black_soldier_fly_Hermetia_illucens_L_Diptera_Stratiomyidae_reared_on_horse_and_sheep_manure)

In: 0

Answer 1

They can digest cellulose, which most animals can’t. This means they can convert something most animals can’t digest (manure), into something they can (themselves).