Data of characteristics related to morphology, components and wettablity of the epidermis of a butterfly species

A comprehensive investigation was conducted to characterize the integumentary features of third-to-fifth instar Papilio polytes larvae, with systematic analysis encompassing three critical parameters: morphological architecture, biochemical composition, and surface wettability. Morphometric evaluation was performed through high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to quantify ultrastructural details of the larval epidermis. Compositional profiling was achieved using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the mid-infrared range (4000-400 cm⁻¹), enabling precise identification of chitinous and proteinaceous components. Hydrophobic properties were quantitatively assessed through contact angle measurements employing a goniometer-based static sessile drop method, with subsequent surface energy calculations derived from Owens-Wendt approximation models.