Nutritional and chemical composition of different life stages of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Tribolium castaneum can survive in extremely dry environments and be one of the major insect pests broken processed grains or other stored dried foods. Additionally, this species has demonstrated resistance to some classes insecticides. The objective work was evaluate nutritional chemical composition T. castaneum, reared on maize flour, compare protein, lipids fatty acids profile, amino mineral contents, different developmental stages: larvae, pupae adults. In general all stages were rich protein (15.3% for larvae 17.0% adults, wet body weight). Disparities among regarding content found. Essential most abundant castaneum; a essential acid prevalent each stage: - valine; lysine; adults histidine. is phosphorus, potassium sulphur; had significantly higher potassium, sulphur zinc, while showed lower zinc. Larvae values SFA (heptadecanoic stearic acid) PUFA (?-linolenic linolenic acids), MUFA reverse tendency, with having highest contents hypogeic, palmitoleic oleic acids. differences identified are due specificities stage (level chitinization, motility, energy requirements food intake habits), as diet offered insects same. This study thus considered first step towards future directions investigation, better understanding pest preferences alternatives achieve more sustainable management infested products.