Pterobilin in P. brassicae[9][10][11] is thought to play a role in photoreception for the different instars for metering diapause.[6] In adult P. brassicae butterflies the compound is thought to have a role in heat transfer,[12] as the wing scales where pterobilin accumulates differ morphologically in a way that would facilitate photoreception.[6]
^ abcdefBois-Choussy, Michèle; Barbier, Michel (10 February 1983). "Biosynthesis of the bile pigment sarpedobilin from [14C]pterobilin by Papilio sarpedon (lepidoptera)". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 100 (3). Elsevier: 779–782. doi:10.1016/0006-291X(83)91029-X. ISSN0006-291X. OCLC4922987039. PMID6838551.
^Rüdiger, W., Klose, W., Vuillaume, M., and Barbier, M. (1969). Experimentia, 25, 487-488.
^Bois-Choussy, Michèle; Barbier, Michel (1978). Heterocycles 9, 677-690.
^Barbier, Michel, Bergerard, J., Hurpin, B., and Vuillaume, M. (1970). Comptes rendus de l'Académie des Sciences Paris, 271, 342-345.
^Vuillaume, M., and Bergerard, J. (1978). Chronobiologia, 5, 286-292.
^Vuillaume, M., and Dattée, Y. (1980). Archives de zoologie expérimentale et générale, 121, 159-164.
^Allyn, A. C., Barbier, Michel, Bois-Choussy, Michèle, and Rothschild, M. (1981). Antenna, Londres, 29-31.