Determination of the total energy budget of Hetaerina titia: Method development and application to the study of seasonal and regional polyphenism
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Keywords
Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Ecology
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry, B.A.
Abstract
The Smoky Rubyspot damselfly, Hetaerina titia, displays seasonal and regional variations in pigmentation. These variations are linked to behavior and reproductive success. This has piqued interest in understanding the causes of these pigment changes and their effects on titia’s energy budget. To better understand the energy budget of titia and to investigate differences in energy availability based on pigmentation, season, and region, we have adapted known methods to develop a sequential series of semimicro spectroscopic analytical procedures targeting proteins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. These determinations can be quickly performed, and have been validated, demonstrating 95-107% recovery for each component class. Additionally, our method may be more scalable for studying insects with a wider range of mass compared to previously reported methods.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. David Green
Funding Source or Research Program
Summer Undergraduate Research Program, Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Not Identified
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
24-3-2023 2:00 PM
End Date
24-2-2023 4:00 PM
Determination of the total energy budget of Hetaerina titia: Method development and application to the study of seasonal and regional polyphenism
Waves Cafeteria
The Smoky Rubyspot damselfly, Hetaerina titia, displays seasonal and regional variations in pigmentation. These variations are linked to behavior and reproductive success. This has piqued interest in understanding the causes of these pigment changes and their effects on titia’s energy budget. To better understand the energy budget of titia and to investigate differences in energy availability based on pigmentation, season, and region, we have adapted known methods to develop a sequential series of semimicro spectroscopic analytical procedures targeting proteins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. These determinations can be quickly performed, and have been validated, demonstrating 95-107% recovery for each component class. Additionally, our method may be more scalable for studying insects with a wider range of mass compared to previously reported methods.