Abstract: Three methods (the contact filter paper method, the artificial soil method and the edible fungi residue culture method) were used to study the toxic effects of Cu and Zn on Protaetia brevitaris Lewis larvae. The results showed that the concentration of Cu and Zn had no significant effect on the mortality of P. brevitaris larvae in the contact filter paper method and artificial soil method. In the edible fungi residue culture method, the feeding amount and body growth were significantly inhibited as the concentration of Cu and Zn increased, besides, the feeding inhibition rate and weight growth inhibition rate showed a significantly positive correlation with the concentration of Cu and Zn. The elements (Cu) applied to the P. brevitaris larvae induced the soluble protein content, inhibited the activities of SOD and GST and the content of MDA, and had no significant effects on the activities of CAT. The soluble protein content was significantly induced by 3 500 and 5 000 mg·kg-1 Zn, while the content of MDA was significantly inhibited. The SOD activities were induced by 2 000 and 6 500 mg·kg-1 Zn (P>0.05). The CAT and GST activities showed no significant change with the Zn application. The results indicated that Cu and Zn had an ecotoxicological effect on P. brevitaris larvae. However, to estimate the toxicity of heavy metals with high concentrations to P. brevitaris larvae, except for SOD, CAT and GST as biomarkers, other indicators should be taken into account for a comprehensive analysis.