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Smelly butterflies
Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 9:42 pm
by Susie
"Did you know some butterflies smell like CAKE?
These long wing scales are called androconia, and are found on male butterfly wings. The scent is created to attract females, which they may 'blow' onto a resting female by fluttering above her."
Does anyone know if this applies to UK butterflies too?
Re: Smelly butterflies
Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 10:14 pm
by millerd
I'm sure I read somewhere that one of the UK butterfly list smells of chocolate - or did I dream this?
Meadow Brown?
Dave
Re: Smelly butterflies
Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 10:18 pm
by MikeOxon
The Green-veined White showers the female during courtship with a scent likened to lemon verbena, strong enough to be sensed by humans. (ref. Thomas & Lewington, 2010)
Mike
Re: Smelly butterflies
Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 8:06 am
by David M
millerd wrote:I'm sure I read somewhere that one of the UK butterfly list smells of chocolate - or did I dream this?
Meadow Brown?
Wall Brown....and it's true. I put that theory to the test several times when I was a kid and used to catch them.
Re: Smelly butterflies
Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 8:10 am
by ChrisC
funnily enough I was just reading about these scent scales yesterday, with my internet problems I went to a local book exchange and picked up "Butterfly Watching" by Paul Whalley for £2.50. Also picked up "the World of Butterflies an illustrated encyclopedia" for £3 which looks to have chapters on just about everything.
Chris