The action pattern and physiological role of Tenebrio larval amylase

The larval midgut amylase of Tenebrio molitor L. may be classified as a typical -amylase on the basis of its action pattern on amylopectin, glycogen, and β-amylase limit dextrin. When the development is on the preferred diet of wheat-bran, the amylatic activity of the larvae is impaired by an -amylase inhibitor present in wheat. The inhibitor has been found to be stable to digestion by the larvae. Wheat β-amylase plays the major role in the digestion of starch by larvae. The implications of these relations are discussed.