COLOR PATTERN SPECIFIC PROTEINS IN BLACK SCALES IN DEVELOPING WINGS OF PRECIS-COENIA HUBNER (NYMPHALIDAE, LEPIDOPTERA)

A set of stage specific proteins of approximally 86 to 90 kDal are synthesized by isolated wings of Precis coenia on day 5 of the pupal stage. They are named "B proteins". They are synthesized in presumptive black wing areas in higher amounts than in presumptive white wing areas and are the major proteins synthesized on day 5. Wings from 5 days old pupae, which were incubated with S-35-methionine for 2 or 4 hours, incorporate radiolabel into presumptive black pattern elements. This is probably due to the localized synthesis of the above mentioned proteins. Injection of S-35-methionine into whole pupae on day 5 resulted in the labelling of the mature black and grey scales but not white scales. This radiolabel incorporation pattern corresponds exactly to the incorporation of the melanin precursor C-14-tyrosine into the scales. The results indicate that the "B proteins" are specifically related to the formation of black and grey portions of the Precis wing pattern. Injection of S-35-methionine into whole pupae on day 6 resulted in the labelling of the mature red scales probably due to labelling of "R proteins", which may be involved in the formation of red pattern elements.