Identification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds produced by Tenebrio molitor larvae

Abstract

The following research concerns issues related to beetles (Coleoptera), which is one of the most numerous rows of insects. Beetles inhabit a diverse environment. There are land species as well as those found in freshwater. These are both herbivorous and predatory animals, scavengers and omnivores. Tenebrio molitor is one of the largest beetles. Larvae typically measure about 3 cm or more, whereas adults are generally between 1.25 and 1.8 cm in length. Tenebrio molitor go through four life stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults (Rho & Lee, 2016). This pest is most common in mills, bakeries, warehouses and feed storage rooms. Tenebrio molitor harms not only by eating products but also by contaminating them with droppings (Wiśniowski, 1977). Bearing in mind that the contact with insects in the environment is an inevitable, and the disposal of the species causing economic damages is very difficult. Attempts have been made to get to know the compounds produced by insects. We therefore decided to check the quality of volatile and semi-volatile compounds produced by Tenebrio molitor. The results will also help expand the knowledge about insect pathology.