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Living organisms are constantly exposed to oxidant agents deriving from both endogenous and exogenous sources capable of altering the cellular antioxidant system and inducing damages to biomolecules. Protective systems exist in insects, as in all aerobic organisms, to enable adaptation to oxidative environments. Biochemical parameters evaluated in adult codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), exposed during 24 h at increasing concentrations of chlorantraniliprole insecticide (0; 12.5; 25; 50 y 100 mg L-1) were glutathione S-transferases (GST), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde level (MDA). No mortality was observed; however, a significant lethargy was detected in a dose dependent manner. The 24 h exposure regime to 50 mg x L-1 chlorantraniliprole insecticide -equivalent to field application dose- caused significant decreases in GST and SOD activities (36.4% and 52.5%, respectively) and in MDA level (56.8%) as compared with untreated control. No significant changes were observed in CAT nor GSH activities in codling moths exposed to the insecticide. Decline in antioxidant defense due to chlorantraniliprole would induce oxidative stress in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]