A study conducted by Sonja Bisch-Knaden and Bill Hansson at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology demonstrates that the wings of the tobacco hawkmoth (Manduca sexta) are equipped with olfactory capabilities. The researchers identified receptor proteins and specialized scent-sensitive hairs on the wings, which enable the detection of specific odors, particularly those associated with their preferred egg-laying plants. Notably, the wings were found to respond to the amines pyrrolidine and piperidine, suggesting a sophisticated sensory adaptation that aids in locating suitable habitats for reproduction. The findings are detailed in the Journal of Experimental Biology.