AbstractBenzhydrolpiperidine (BZP) insecticides represent a novel class of chemistry. Their specificity and efficacy as well as their low mammalian toxicity give them excellent potential for commercialization. Several N‐arylalkylbenzhydrolpiperidines were tested for activity against a variety of insects in the laboratory and greenhouse. These tests were used to select compounds for field trials and determine rates of application for field tests. The BZP compounds have good activity against Lepidoptera, with modest Coleoptera activity. They are toxic by oral administration and have about 100‐fold lower activity by topical exposure. A methyl carbamate BZP, F4265, was the most active compound, with LC50 values of 6 mg litre−1 or less for most Lepidopteran species tested. F4265 was active in a variety of field trials at 112–224 g AI ha−1. Whole‐plant testing methods conducted in the greenhouse were effective in determining field test rates.© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry