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

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Mar 24th, 2:00 PM Feb 24th, 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.