Sphingidae Taxonomic Inventory

Creating a taxonomic e-science

A substance which acts as a pH indicator from the moth Euchloron megaera

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1984
Authors:M. Barbier
Journal:Journal of Chemical Ecology
Volume:10
Issue:7
Start Page:1109
Pagination:1109-1113
Date Published:1984
Other Numbers:Papyrus 7467
Keywords:ANTHOCYANIDIN, CAMOUFLAGE, EUCHLORON, FOODPLANT, FOODPLANT CHEMISTRY, PH INDICATOR, SPHINGIDAE, WORLDMAP1
Abstract:

"Wing scales of the moth Euchloron megaera L. (Sphingidae) contain a water-soluble green pigment showing pH indicator properties. This pigment has been isolated. The UV-visible spectra, the color changes, the reduction by dithionite, the polarity on SiO2 TLC, and the high molecular weight relate this pigment to an anthocyanidin derivative derived from the plant food. This result is discussed in connection with the presence of similar substances in plants of the family Apocynacea and in other moth species of the Sphingidae group, in which they play aposematic roles. As a hypothesis, it is suggested that the green pigment results from a reaction between Nerium sp. anthocyanidins (plant food) and NH2 groups of basic constituents present in the animal."

URL:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00987516
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith