The Ultimate Upcycler

Dr Erica McAlister examines the innocuous wasp-like Black Soldier fly which for centuries was regarded as a serious agricultural pest in North America’s southern states.

Its reputation underwent a complete rewrite thanks to the close observations of artist and entomologist Charles Valentine Riley.

Its larvae have a remarkable ability to shred, devour and transform nearly any kind of organic waste into high-quality edible protein.

They are now the ‘crown jewels’ of a fast-growing insect-farming industry – addressing a growing need to find cheap, clean reliable protein.

Series looking at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.

With contributions from:

* Donald Weber biographer of CV Riley
* Entomologist Prof Jeff Tomberlin (Texas A&M University)
* Keiran Whittaker (CEO Entocycle)
* Katharina Unger (CEO LIVIN Farms)

Producer: Adrian Washbourne

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2022.