Proximal composition and fatty acid profile in Cotinis columbica Burmeister larvae

Objetive. To determine the proximal composition and profile of fatty acids (FA) in Cotinis columbica Burmeister larva collected in the municipalities of Mogotes and Garzón, Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and methods. Six samples of C. columbica Burmeister larvae were collected during three months, from the municipalities of Mogotes and Garzón, Bogotá, Colombia (3 months x 2 = 6). The samples were subjected to proximal chemical analysis and AG analysis by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector and capillary column. Results. In mogotes, 21.2 and 23.3% of fat and protein were found, respectively, while in Garzón values of 31.1 and 25.9% were found, there was no statistical difference (p≥0.05). Chromatographic analyzes determined 18 AG, from C4:0 to C22:2, c13.16. The t-student test showed significance (p<0.05) only in C10:0; through time (May, June and July) the values were higher in Garzón larvae. The contents of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated AG groups were between 30.20 and 36.92 (% w/w). Conclusions. The proximal composition and fatty acid profile were similar, except for C10:0, in the fat of Cotinis columbica Burmeister larvae from Mogotes and Garzón, Colombia.