Study on the biochemistry of insects. IX. Oligoelements in the metamorphosis of Calliphora erythrocephala

Abstract

By means of the spectrographic method we have determined the oligoelements existing in larvae, pupae and flies of Calliphora erythrocephala, as well as as in the pupae cuticles by using a spectrograph inodel Q 24 excitation by are with continuous current of 110 : 120 V and 4-5 A. We have found that the percentage of ashes increases in the phase from larva to pupa and decreases on forming the imago. In the cuticle of the pupa there is a certain amount of organic matter to be found.

The ashes contain over 1 % of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P and Si, the phedominating elements being Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Al and Ba, the rarest being Mo and Co non existent. In the pupa Mo is absent and Fe and Zn are the most abundant, then come Cu and Al and Cr and B are scarce. In the imagines the elements predominating are Pb, Al and Ni, then come Fe and Zn; Ag and Cu are scarce, and Mo and Co have not been found. Ag and Zn present in pupae is not to be found in their cuticles which speaks against the presence of carbonic anhydrase in them and therefore its intervention in the calcification of the former.