Carotenoids in orange pupae of the swallowtail, Papilio xuthus

Abstract

Carotenoids in integument, haemolymph, and fat bodies of orange pupae of the swallowtail, Papilio xuthus, were analysed qualitatively. The pigment described as 'astaxanthin ester-like pigment' in a previous paper is identical to canthaxanthin. Papilioerythrin, one of the main pigments of the integument, is assumed to be 4-ketolutein and identical to α-doradexanthin. The carotenoids present in all 3 sites are α-carotene, β-carotene, and free lutein. Besides these 3 carotenoids, the integument contains large amounts of 2 ketonic carotenoids, canthaxanthin and papilioerythrin, and a small amount of astaxanthin. The carotenoids typical of the fat bodies are mono- and di-esters of lutein. © 1972.