Über Ommochrome. VI. Mitteilung. Zur Genese von Rhodommatin und Ommatin C

Abstract

Radioactive labeled tryptophan or kynurenine is injected into caterpillars of the small tortoise-shell (Vanessa urticae). It is shown by determination of the radioactivity of the dyestuffs separated from the secretions of the butterfly by paper chromatography, that rhodommatin and ommatin C as well as xanthommatin are final products of the tryptophan metabolism. Rhodommatin and ommatin C are ommochromes although they do not exhibit some of the properties previously regarded as characteristic of this class of dyestuff.