Data of characteristics related to morphology, components and wettablity of the epidermis of a butterfly species （2）
Description
A comprehensive investigation was conducted to characterize the epidermal features of third-to-fifth instar Papilio polytes larvae, with systematic analysis encompassing three types of critical features: ultrastructural, chemical composition, and surface wettability. Morphometric evaluation was performed through high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to quantify ultrastructural details of the larval epidermis. Compositional profiling was achieved using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the mid-infrared range (4000-400 cm⁻¹), enabling precise identification of chemical functional groups. Hydrophobic properties were quantitatively assessed through contact angle measurements employing the sessile drop method.
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This study conducted a tripartite characterization of the epidermis of Papilio polytes larvae across third to fifth instars, integrating ultrastructural, compositional, and wetting property analyses. Morphological quantification was achieved through high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy (Zeiss EVO-LS10, Gottingen, Germany) following standardized arthropod preparation protocols, including ethanol dehydration gradients naturally air-dried. Chemical profiling utilized mid-infrared Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (Thermo Fisher Scientific Nicolet iS50, Madison, USA ) with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode to identify chitin-protein complexes through the waveband of 4000-400 cm⁻¹. For samples resolving the isolated ultrastructure of chitin, i.e. the epidermal structure without the CHCs, they were soaked in hexyl hydride (analytically pure) for 24 hours. For the samples resolving the influence of adjuvants, they were soaked in the representatives of the three types of adjuvants for 2 hours after being dried, and then rinsed, fixed, dehydrated and dried as above. Hydrophobic properties were systematically evaluated via sessile drop contact angle measurements (KRÜSS DSA100S, Hamburg, Germany) under controlled laboratory conditions (23°C, 50% RH), employing water and three types of adjuvants.
Institutions
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Shandong Agricultural University