A simple method for analysis of insect cuticular hydrocarbons

Cuticular hydrocarbons from tiny pieces of insect cuticle can be analyzed directly by gas chromatography without solvent. The cuticle, sealed in a glass capillary, is introduced into the heated injector area of a gas Chromatograph, and the glass capillary crushed after heating for 4 min. Linked gas chromatography-mass spectrometry can be performed on selected parts of individual insects, such as an antenna, leg, or abdominal sclerite, to give qualitative and quantitative analysis of the substances on a small area of the body.