Aldrin epoxidase activity and cytochrome P-450 content of sawfly larvae,Pergagrapta polita Leach (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) feeding on twoEucalyptus species.

Aldrin epoxidase and cytochrome P-450 levels were determined in sawfly larvae,Pergagrapta polita Leach. Of the tissues examined the anterior portion of the midgut had the highest levels of aldrin epoxidase activity and cytochrome P-450 content, 3.56 nmol dieldrin produced/min/mg protein and 1.28 nmol/mg protein, respectively. No significant differences in aldrin epoxidase activities were observed between groups of larvae representing the last three larval instars and between larvae feeding on two eucalypt species.