Coelaenomenodera lameensis Berti and Mariau, (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) is the most important oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) leaf miner pest in Ivory Coast,West Africa. The leaf miner activity of C. lameensis was higher in instars 1-3 (L1-L3) larvae. Analysis of the enzymatic profiles indicated that instars 1 and 2 larvae are the most powerful ones in polysaccharides degradation activity, higher gain being obtained with xylan (28 μg of glucose equivalent released per minute (U) per milligramme of protein) and laminarin (18 U mg^-1). The most important heterosidasic activities were detected in L3 larvae and to a lesser extent in L1-2. The β-glucoside was hydrolysed at an activity rate higher than 400 U mg^-1 by L3 larvae. The β-xylosidasic and N-acetyl-glucosaminidasic activities were respectively 39.13 and 35.81 U mg^-1 for L1-2 and 34.9 and 36.39 U mg-1 for L3 larvae. The data suggested that the majority of carbohydrate digestion occurs in the L1-2, and L3 instars. Enzymatic profiles of L4 larvae and adults were characterised by low activities. Finally, the feeding behaviour (foraging activity) and the enzymatic activities were all linked, underlying the digestive capability of each developmental stage of C. lameensis. The main digestive enzymes of this pest are identified, the search for inhibitors of these enzymes may be considered.

Keywords: Coelaenomenodera lameensis, Elaeis guineensis; oil palm pest, enzyme profile