The Ultimate Upcycler

Dr Erica McAlister of London's Natural History Museum takes a look at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.

Erica 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 compete 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.

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.