Insects have come under the spotlight over the past few years, as scientists seek alternative sources of protein to feed the rapidly expanding global population. Will cell-based meat ever be a dinner staple? The beetles are raised in this way from larvae to adult, at which point they meet a quick death in steam before being harvested into oil, protein and fertilizer. Nutrition, growth and moisture levels are all recorded for analysis, and human visitors are allowed to inspect the trays only from a distance - to prevent contamination of this prized ecosystem. Each of their stacked plastic trays is kept at an optimal 60% humidity and a balmy 25–27 ☌. The company’s chief executive and co-founder, Antoine Hubert, says that the beetles have a good life, as far as being an insect goes. At 17 metres high, this is the world’s largest vertical insect farm - home to at least 3 trillion mealworm beetles ( Tenebrio molitor). With it comes the realization that this is not a typical factory. Walking into Ÿnsect’s flagship manufacturing site in Dole, eastern France, the first thing that visitors are met with is a hot, earthy, composting smell. Credit: Cyril Marcilhacy/Bloomberg via Getty The French firm Ÿnsect in Dole grows mealworm larvae into beetles for use in oil, protein sources and fertilizer.
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