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This article surveys the present knowledge of the sterol metabolism of insects. It is emphasized that a high degree of purity of the dietary sterols and the climination of the influence of symbionts are essential to present ambiguity in interpreting results. It is pointed out that a sharp distinction between zoosterols, mycosterols and phytosterols can no longer be made. A remarkable fact is the occurrence of insect hormones and their derivatives in plants. Knowledge of the sterol metabolism may help in developing selectiue insecticides. Finally, this paper gives results on the conversion of C28- and C29-sterols into Cnτ-sterols by insects; these results haue not been published preuiously.

This article surveys the present knowledge of the sterol metabolism of insects. It is emphasized that a high degree of purity of the dietary sterols and the climination of the influence of symbionts are essential to present ambiguity in interpreting results. It is pointed out that a sharp distinction between zoosterols, mycosterols and phytosterols can no longer be made. A remarkable fact is the occurrence of insect hormones and their derivatives in plants. Knowledge of the sterol metabolism may help in developing selectiue insecticides. Finally, this paper gives results on the conversion of C28- and C29-sterols into Cnτ-sterols by insects; these results haue not been published preuiously.