Lemon-scented Butterfly: Did you know?

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To attract females, the males of Pieris napi, commonly known as Green-veined White, produce a pheromone cocktail that is reminiscent of fresh lemons.

The butterfly perfume contains apha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, p-cymene and citral – all constituents of lemon oil.

The smell is detectable for humans. Who knew you could smell the butterfly as well as the flower it sits on?

3 Comments

  1. Love this offering! Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Wow… isn’t nature amazing. Thanks for enlightening us!

    Reply
  3. Did a google search to find this because I thought I was going mad when one of these flew Into my face today, a really strong smell of sweet lemons that lingered for about half an hour, amazing!

    Reply

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