Effects of ingested diflubenzuron on the longevity and the peritrophic membrane of adult mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.)

When fed to adults of Tenebrio molitor, diflubenzuron reduced the longevity, the weight of the adults and the thickness of the post-ecdysial adult cuticle. It also affected the production of the peritrophic membrane. The loss of weight and the decrease of longevity of the treated adults may have been because of alterations to the peritrophic membrane, caused by the inhibition of chitin biosynthesis by diflubenzuron.