Cholesterol in pine processionary caterpillars (
Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff.; Lepidoptera is produced mainly from

-sitosterol present in their food (pine needles); it can also be synthesized from acetic acid. This synthesis is stimulated by the insecticide Dimilin but inhibited by the antibiotic tetracycline.
This work has been partly realized at the Institut de Chimie des Substances naturelles of CNRS. Thanks to the amiability of Mr Michel Barbier.