Development of a biochemical profile for mass-reared boll weevils (coleoptera: Curculionidae)

1. 1. A simplified biochemical profile consisting of whole body levels of cholesterol, lipid, uric acid, and soluble protein was obtained on mass-reared Anthonomous grandis Boheman of three adult ages for 8 successive weeks representing four generations. 2. 2. All parameters showed significant variation with adult age, sex and chemosterilant treatment. 3. 3. Levels of cholesterol, uric acid, and soluble protein were significantly depressed in weevils treated with busulfan. 4. 4. The Feasibility of obtaining biochemical data on large numbers of insects as a means of quality control is verified, but the utility of this approach requires the long-term accumulation of such information prior to its application.