Eur. J. Entomol. 100 (1): 19-23, 2003 | DOI: 10.14411/eje.2003.003

Thin layer chromatographic analysis of pteridine-like pigments in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Orthoptera: Oedipodidae)

Václav NĖMEC1,*, Michael BREUER2, Arnold DE LOOF2
1 Institute of Entomology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budėjovice, 370 05 Czech Republic
2 Institute of Zoology, Catholic University of Leuven, B 3000 Naamsestraat 59, Leuven, Belgium

Acidic methanolic extracts of haemolymph, cuticle and eyes of larvae and adults of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R. et L.), were subjected to thin layer chromatography. The Rf-values as well as the fluorescent colour of the spots under ultraviolet illumination at 350 nm, were compared to those of 12 pteridine standards. Most of the standards showed a major spot, as well as up to 3 additional minor spots, probably due to the presence of isomers and degradation products. The extract of the haemolymph of untreated larvae and adults yielded 6 different spots. Cuticle and eyes had their own specific pattern. Application of methoprene (analogue of juvenile hormone) induced solitary phase-like pigmentation of the cuticle and green-coloured haemolyph. The content of pterin, biopterin, leucopterin, isoxanthopterin, and probably also of lumazin, increased. The melanization of the cuticle nearly completely disappeared. Similar, but weak effects were observed in neem-oil treated locusts. Application of precocene caused a number of changes in the pigment pattern of all extracts. It also induced some melanization of the cuticle in particular in larvae. Many pigment spots were observed which did not correspond to any of the 12 standard pteridines. The classical concept about the pigment composition of locust haemolymph, namely that it is restricted to melanin, carotenes and biliverdin, needs modification.

Keywords: Pterines, phase-transition, juvenile hormone, precocene, cuticle, methoprene, neem, insect endocrinology

Received: January 15, 2002; Revised: June 4, 2002; Accepted: August 29, 2002; Published: March 20, 2003  Show citation

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NĖMEC, V., BREUER, M., & DE LOOF, A. (2003). Thin layer chromatographic analysis of pteridine-like pigments in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Orthoptera: Oedipodidae). EJE, 100(1), 19-23. doi: 10.14411/eje.2003.003
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