Determination of the total energy budget of Hetaerina titia: application of a new analytical method to the study of seasonal and regional polyphenism
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Keywords
Damselfly, polyphenism, melanization, assay, analytical chemistry, quantitative, ecology, energy, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry
Abstract
Determination of the total energy budget of Hetaerina titia: application of a new analytical method to the study of seasonal and regional polyphenism
Coates, Kathleen M.; Marsh, Conner.; Graf, C. Foster; Grether, Gregory; Green, David B.
Observations that the Smoky Rubyspot damselfly, Hetaerina titia, exhibits seasonal and regional polyphenism and wing pigmentation, which has implications in behavior and reproductive success, has prompted interest into understanding the biochemical causation and energy budget consequences of varied pigmentation. We have developed analytical methods in a sequential series of semimicro spectroscopic analytical procedures targeting proteins, carbohydrates, and pooled fats, lipids and fatty acids to probe the total energy budget of these odinates as part of a broader study investigating differences in energy availability in H. titia males as a result of pigmentation, geographic, and seasonal differences. The determinations can be rapidly performed and we have validated each step in the analysis, demonstrating 95-107% recovery for each component class. We provide an overview of our method along with initial results pertaining to seasonal variations and geographic factors.
Faculty Mentor
David Green
Funding Source or Research Program
John Stauffer Charitable Trust
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
22-3-2024 1:30 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 2:30 PM
Determination of the total energy budget of Hetaerina titia: application of a new analytical method to the study of seasonal and regional polyphenism
Waves Cafeteria
Determination of the total energy budget of Hetaerina titia: application of a new analytical method to the study of seasonal and regional polyphenism
Coates, Kathleen M.; Marsh, Conner.; Graf, C. Foster; Grether, Gregory; Green, David B.
Observations that the Smoky Rubyspot damselfly, Hetaerina titia, exhibits seasonal and regional polyphenism and wing pigmentation, which has implications in behavior and reproductive success, has prompted interest into understanding the biochemical causation and energy budget consequences of varied pigmentation. We have developed analytical methods in a sequential series of semimicro spectroscopic analytical procedures targeting proteins, carbohydrates, and pooled fats, lipids and fatty acids to probe the total energy budget of these odinates as part of a broader study investigating differences in energy availability in H. titia males as a result of pigmentation, geographic, and seasonal differences. The determinations can be rapidly performed and we have validated each step in the analysis, demonstrating 95-107% recovery for each component class. We provide an overview of our method along with initial results pertaining to seasonal variations and geographic factors.