A number of atropine analogs were synthesized and their effects on larval growth of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, were investigated by both topical application and dietary administration. Among the tested compounds, 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3 alpha-ol 2,2-diphenylpropionate (5), an antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in mammals, significantly prolonged the duration of the instar. When fed on compound 5 at 30 ppm, some of the larvae failed to molt. A 2,2-diphenylpropionate moiety was indispensable for this activity. Compound 5 had more potent activity than atropine which is known to inhibit PTTH release in vitro.