An osmeterium is an orange, y-shaped gland on the neck of some caterpillars. This gland gives off a strong, unpleasant odor when the caterpillar is threatened, keeping away dangerous wasps and flies that try to lay eggs in the caterpillar. Many swallowtails have an osmeterium. Some butterflies and moths overwinter during cold weather. Butterflies and moths are oviparous.
Butterflies usually lay their eggs on leaves.
An ovipositor is a an organ at the end of the female's abdomen through which she deposits her eggs. As stated in our privacy policy , we fully respect your privacy and will not use your e-mail address for any purpose other than the newsletter subscription. Search the Web with our sponsor, Overture. Search the Web. Search the Web with our sponsor, Overture.