The Osmeterium of the Swallowtail Butterfly Larva(Papilio cresphontes)

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Uploaded by on Sep 8, 2009

"The Osmeterium" of the Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio cresphontes) is a defense organ. The red "y-shaped" osmeterium extends when the larva is irritated. It emits a strong odor to repel some predators. Dr. J. W. Holloway demonstrates by stimulating the larva with a pair of blunt scissors. This larva was not harmed during the making of this video. ©2009 Dr. J. W. Holloway

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Uploader Comments (texrednface)

  • Gracias por escribirme.

    Apparently the osmeterium is unique to the family Papilioniae(swallowtail butterflies).

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  • he is pissed

    

  • Very interesting the way the larvae defends against predators. Is it a unique case in butterflies?

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