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scent-receptor cells on each hair. This special design of its antennae makes

the moth quite expert in detecting smells. 84
Moths use their scent perception to determine what has nutritional
value and what may be harmful. In addition, when mating time comes,
the female emits a special pheromone, which the male detects and locates

the female by flying directly towards its source. At this point, there is one
matter that requires consideration. The male often flies for several kilome-
ters (miles) to locate the female. Male silk moths, for example, can per-
ceive the female’s pheromone from 20 kilometers (12 miles) away, or even
further. 85 No doubt the sensitivity of this tiny creature’s olfactory organs

is truly stunning.

Thanks to the special creation in their antennae, which have hundreds
of minute hairs on them, moths have very powerful senses of smell.
This enables them to identify foodstuffs with a high nutritional value,
as well as potential mates.

The Miracles of Smell and
Taste