Concentration of Some Major and Trace Elements in Forty-One Species of Adult and Immature Insects Determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy1

Abstract

The concentrations of total body copper, iron, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in 41 species of adult and immature insects representing 10 orders were determined in parts per million by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Characteristic differences and similarities in the amount of these major and trace elements were shown to exist in the life cycle stages between as well as within insect orders. In general, insect total body Cu < Fe < Mg < Na < K, although there were exceptions to this trend in several orders according to species and stage of development.