Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrochemical analyses of Pieridae butterfly wings

Abstract

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic technique was carried out in wings of nine different Pierid butterflies to deduce the functional groups and properties of cuticular hydrocarbons which play a pivotal role in exhibiting charismatic colour patterns, controlling body temperature, attracting potential mates and camouflaging against predators. There were three major types of hydrocarbons present in all butterfly wings including alkanes, alkenes and methyl hydrocarbons. The second predominant compounds found in the butterfly wing region include alkyl halides, alcohols and phenols. There were no significant differences in the functional groups among the wings of butterflies. FTIR analysis of nine different Pierid butterfly wings showed many relative sizes of peaks. There were no significant differences in the chemical composition of wings but the colour differences were observed among the nine different butterflies. It was inferred that not majorly due to the differences in the cuticular hydrocarbons and may be due to the presence of different microstructures like scales, ridges and grooves.