First In Situ X-ray Scattering Measurements of Insect Body Surface Lipids: American Cockroach

In situ X-ray scattering measurements of insect body surface lipids were successfully attempted by using a synchrotron X-ray source. The temperature-dependent structural changes of the cuticular hydrocarbons covering the forewing of an American cockroach were able to be followed, which showed that the majority of the hydrocarbons were in a liquid state even far below the critical temperature of water transpiration through the body surface. The results clearly demonstrated that synchrotron radiation X-ray scattering has the potential to obtain the detailed information about the intact lipid structure and physical properties on insect body surfaces.