The biochemistry of locusts. I. The carotenoids of the integument of two locust species (Locusta migratoria migratorioides R. & F. and Schistocerca gregaria Forsk.)

Abstract

The carotenoids of the integument of the migratory locust (L. migratoria migratorioides.) and desert locust (S. gregaria) are beta-carotene and astaxanthin; the latter occurs in the unesterified form. Both pigments also occur in the eyes and the wings. Astaxanthin exists in the wings as a protein complex. The presence of astaxanthin protein complex has also been demonstrated in the wings of the red locust, Nomadacris septemfasciata Serville. Only beta-carotene occurs in the fatty tissues, blood and eggs of both species. In the blood it is probably attached to a protein. Preformed vit. A does not occur in either Locusta or Schistocerca.