Utilization of dietary fatty acids by larval Aeshna cyanea (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae)

Unsaturated C14 through C24 fatty acids were readily absorbed by Aeshna larvae irrespectively of the number, position and cis-trans configuration of their double bonds. They caused a heavy accumulation of triglyceride droplets in the enterocytes. Saturated C8 through C15 fatty acids were absorbed in the same way but to a lesser extent, while saturated short chain fatty acids (C<8) were absorbed in free form without triglyceride synthesis, and absorption of saturated long-chain fatty acids (C>15) was not detected with the methods used.