Osmeterium

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Second or third instar caterpillar of Papilio glaucus showing osmeterium
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Second or third instar caterpillar of Papilio glaucus showing osmeterium

The osmeterium is a fleshy organ found in the larvae (caterpillars) of Swallowtail butterflies. They are believed to emit pheromones. Normally hidden, this forked structure can be everted when the caterpillar is threatened, and used to emit a foul-smelling secretion containing terpenes.


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