The lipid profile of the pallid emperor moth Cirina forda Westwood (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) caterpillar

Abstract

The phospholipid, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as, the fatty acid profile of the caterpillar of Cirina forda, a pallid emperor moth, known for its popularity as a food insect in Nigeria, were elucidated and compared with other popular sources of lipids. C. forda had 554.96mg/100g, 201.01mg/100g and 244.03mg/100g of phospholipid, cholesterol and triglyceride, respectively. It proved to be a rich source of unsaturates, surpassing other popular lipid sources as a source of polyunsaturates. It is rich in fatty acids such as Linolenic acid (33.84%), Linoleic acid (7.81%) and Oleic acid (12.93%). The possible nutritional implications of the consumption of C. forda caterpillar on the human nervous system are highlighted.

Key words: lipid profile, Cirina forda, caterpillar