In this study, insect biofuel from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil was investigated as a potential alternative fuel in a single cylinder direct injection compression ignition (CI) engine. The neat of BSFL oil and its blends (B25, B50, 875, and B100) were utilized in the engine, in order to identify its combustion, performance, and emission characteristics. This was followed by an experimental performance at a constant speed with variable engine loads. The result showed a slight decrease by 3.28% in the cylinder pressure, with an 8.21% reduction in brake thermal efficiency; while an increment in the brake specific fuel consumption was noticed. Furthermore, there was a decreasing trend of about 19.62% and 1.84% in NOx and 02 respectively. Nevertheless, an increase in CO, CO2, HC, and exhaust gas temperature was also discovered. It could be concluded that, the BSFL oil possesses a high potential to be utilized as an alternative fuel for CI engines in the future. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.