Biochemistry of locusts. 5. The green pigment of the haemolymph and integument of solitary locusts (Locusta migratoria migratorioides, R. & F., and Schistocerca gregaria, Forsk.)

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Abstract
The hemolymph and the green parts of the integument of solitary locusts contain typical insectoverdins which can be resolved into yellow and blue components which are chromoproteins. The prosthetic group of the blue chromoprotein is in each case probably mesobiliverdin. The yellow component of the hemolymph is a [beta] -carotene-protein complex while that of the integument contains both [beta] -carotene and free astaxanthin; this probably means the co-existence of 2 yellow chromoproteins in the integument, although the possibility of both carotenoids being attached to the same protein has not been ruled out. A small amt. of a yellow water-soluble pterin-like material also occurs in the hemolymph and integument; its contribution to the green coloration can only be slight. Neither astaxanthin nor insectorubin occurs in hemolymph. Both are therefore probably synthesized in the integument, the former from B -carotene and the latter from unknown precursors.