Addressing distributional shortcomings through citizen science records: the presence of Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in Algeria

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is a polysaprophagous
species originating from the Nearctic, that has been introduced to various countries throughout the world over the
past decades. Even though, the fly has been recorded in several parts of the Mediterranean region and southern
Africa, to this day its presence from northern Africa is only known from Morocco. The current study provides the
first record of the black soldier fly from Algeria, based on photographic material and supplementing data which
were extracted from citizen science observations. The provided material depicts the range expansion of the species
throughout the coastal area of the country and provides new insight on the current distribution of the insect in the
Mediterranean region, as well as in the continent of Africa. In addition, hypotheses on the possible introduction
routes of the black soldier fly in the southwestern Mediterranean region are briefly discussed.