I read from one source that the larvae excrete an antibiotic as part of the final larval stage. The idea is that they disinfect themselves to prepare for pupation. I want to know more about that but I've only found the one comment so far.
In the last photo the larvae were a little damp because rain had gotten into the collection bucket. Normally they would be dry and possibly more germ-free than the average pond boss.
Based on the marketing material from websites selling these as "Phoenix worms" they will stay in this form, at room temperature, for weeks. I think I'll keep a few in a jar and watch them change.
I checked 4 websites selling BSF larvae and 100 full size "worms" cost $6 - $10 which included shipping. In the picture I'm holding about 50.
