Lipid Metabolism during the Sexual Maturation of the Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): Effect of Ingested Diflubenzuron

Abstract Diflubenzuron (DFB), a benzoylphenylurea derivative, when fed to adult females of Tenebrio molitor during sexual maturation (i.e., from adult ?? to day 9), was found to accumulate in the fat body and to quantitatively and qualitatively affect lipid synthesis. DFB treatment decreased the overall lipid level in the fat body and caused perturbations in both the rate of incorporation and distribution of radiolabeled oleic acid in the different classes of lipids. Compared to untreated controls, a significant increase in the level of saturated fatty acids and a significant decrease in the level of unsaturated fatty acids were observed in the fat body. In the ovaries, the fatty acid compo…