The paper summarizes progress to date of our studies on the sense of taste in codling moth neonates. We particularly concentrate on neonate responses to amino acids prevalent in apple peel/pulp and to sugars. Analysis of second messenger systems involved in chemoreception of these compound suggests that the neonates use different signal processing systems in perceiving amino acids and sugars. Moreover, these two classes of chemical compounds have different effects on neonate feeding behavior. This finding suggests a new concept for apple protection against codling moth.