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?
Love this offering! Thank you!
Wow… isn’t nature amazing. Thanks for enlightening us!
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!