A Gas-Chromatographic Micromethod for Respiration Studies On Insects

Abstract

A gas-chromatographic method adapted for measuring both oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide release of individual insects is described. The method is based on initial separation of air from CO₂ on Porapak Q, and subsequent separation of oxygen from nitrogen on molecular sieve 5 A. 1−2 μl. of O₂ or CO₂ are easily measured with the thermal conductivity apparatus used. Representative respiratory values of field-collected and laboratory-reared adult Chilocorus bipustulatus beetles are presented in order to show the capability of the method.