Abstract
The fatty acid composition of the various lipid fractions of Periplanteta americana was analyzed by gas–liquid chromatography at successive stages during embryogenesis. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of at least 30 fatty acids during all stages of the life cycle ranging in carbon chain length from C6 through C24. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids composed over 95% of the total fatty acids. The percentage distribution of major fatty acids remained constant throughout the life cycle. Total fatty acid content decreased by 28% during development mainly because of the catabolism of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Fatty acid patterns suggest that partially hydrolyzed triglyceride molecules are converted to phospholipid molecules during development.