Characteristics of lipid fractions of larvae of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens

Dokl Biochem Biophys. 2016 May;468(1):209-12. doi: 10.1134/S1607672916030145. Epub 2016 Jul 15.

Abstract

The lipid fraction of larvae of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens was shown to contain lauric acid (38.43 wt %) and its esters, azelaic and sebacic acids, and azelaic acid dibutyl ester. The dominant compound in the group of identified glycerides was lauric acid monoglyceride (0.70 wt %). Glycerides were also represented by triglycerides and diglycerides of lauric acid. Sterols were represented primarily by phytosterols (over 75%), the major of which was alpha-sitosterol (45%). The identified lipid complex composition is apparently determined by the biological characteristics of the fly Hermetia illucens and ensures antibacterial defence of larvae and stability of lipids at changing ambient temperature.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Decanoic Acids / metabolism
  • Dicarboxylic Acids / metabolism
  • Diptera / metabolism*
  • Glycerides / metabolism*
  • Larva / metabolism*
  • Lauric Acids / metabolism*
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Methylene Chloride / chemistry
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Sterols / metabolism*

Substances

  • Decanoic Acids
  • Dicarboxylic Acids
  • Glycerides
  • Lauric Acids
  • Solvents
  • Sterols
  • Methylene Chloride
  • sebacic acid
  • azelaic acid