Abstract: Peritrophic membrane (PM), a semi-permeable mucous layer, serves as a lubricative and protective barrier in the midgut of the major types of insects. PM can be divided into peritrophic membrane type Ⅰ and Ⅱ according to its different ways of formation. PM is mainly composed of chitin and protein, and the latter is very important in maintaining PM dense structure. Damages to PM proteins may cause serious interference to insect growth, and even lead to the death of low-instar larva. This article introduced the composition and structure of PM, reviewed the new discovery of the insect peritrophic membrane proteins, the classification according to their structural characteristics and possible methods of peritrophic membrane proteins as the targets for pest control, and discussed the limitations of current research and the future prospects of PM proteins.

Key words: Insects, peritrophic membrane, peritrophic membrane proteins, pest insects, biological control