Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

In Vitro Rearing of Solitary Bees: A Tool for Assessing Larval Risk Factors
Published on: July 16, 2018
Neutral sterols of sawflies (Symphyta): their relationship to other Hymenoptera
1Bee Research Laboratory, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
Abstract:
To investigate sterol utilization in sawflies, the neutral sterols of four species of sawflies were determined by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and compared to the respective dietary plant material. Cholesterol was the predominant (55-76%) sterol in all species and stages of sawflies examined. Host plants, however, contained primarily sitosterol (50-88%), along with other 24-alkylsterols and only 0.5-5.9% cholesterol, indicating that the sawflies examined are capable of dealkylating the C28 and C29 phytosterols in their diet to cholesterol. Comparative sterol metabolism in Hymenoptera is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
What are Lipids?
Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers
Pollination and Flower Structure
Stereoisomerism of Cyclic Compounds
What are Lipids?
Non-Polar and Hydrophobic Characteristics of Lipids
Lipids are a structurally and functionally diverse group of hydrocarbons—compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds...
Biosynthesis of Lipids

