Identification of a fluorescent compound in the cuticle of the train millipede Parafontaria laminata armigera

Abstract

The train millipede (Parafontaria laminata armigera) emits a blue fluorescence (λmax = 455 nm) under black light (350 nm). The isolated fluorescent compound from the cuticle of P. laminata armigera was identified as pterin-6-carboxylic acid. The structure of this compound was identified by fluorescent, HPLC, and mass spectrometric (ESI-ion trap MS) analyses, and then compared with an authentic sample.