The present invention relates to a chitin having a molecular mass of more than 855 kg.mol-1 and to a process for obtaining chitin and/or chitosan by separating cuticles from the soft part of the insect and by a basic treatment of the cuticles.本發明涉及分子量大於855kg.mol-1的幾丁質,以及通過從昆蟲的柔軟部分分離角質層並通過鹼處理角質層而獲得幾丁質及/或幾丁聚醣的方法。