ABSTRACTLimonin and its five derivatives were evaluated in feeding bioassays for depression effects on feeding, growth and development of the fourth stadiumLeptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Epilimonol and limonin diosphenol were most effective in depression of feeding and growth, with ED50s 10 and 8 μg/cm2. At a dosage of 31.6 μg/cm2, epilimonol, limonin diosphenol and limonin caused both significant feeding reduction and developmental delay, while deoxylimonol, tetrahydrolimonin and limonol were not effective. Mouth‐part coating and antifeedant bioassays show that feeding inhibition at host acceptance level seems to be the primary mode of action of epilimonol and limonin diosphe