Osmeterium

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

The osmeterium is a fleshy organ found in the larvae (caterpillars) of Swallowtail butterflies. This organ emits smelly compounds believed to be 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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