Abstract
We report here a method for studying phase transitions in cuticular lipids of insects. This technique, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), is more sensitive than previous biophysical methods and is applicable to either lipid extracts or lipids in situ (in cast skins or intact wings). We used FTIR to compare biophysical properties of cuticular lipids in different regions of individual insects. Lipid melting points varied by approx. 10°C in different body regions of the tropical cockroach, Blaberus craniifer, and by almost 30°C in the grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes. Using cast skins, we followed the time course of lipid acclimation to temperature in single individuals of M. sanguinipes. We conclude that FTIR is useful for studies of spatial and temporal differences in cuticular lipids of arthropods.
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