Carbohydrate digestion in Lutzomyia longipalpis' larvae (Diptera - Psychodidae)

► Phlebotomine larvae live in the soil rich in decaying materials and microorganisms. ► Amylases responsible for starch/glycogen digestion predominate in the alkaline anterior midgut. ► α-Glucosidase predominates in the posterior midgut bounded to the microvilli and have neutral/acidic optimum pH. ► Trehalase was found in the midgut and its anatomical localization was similar of that of α-glucosidase. ► Other less active enzymes, such as the N-acetyl-β-d-hexosaminidase, were observed.