methyl eugenol is found in a number of plants (over 450 species from 80 families including both angiosperm and gymnosperm families) and has a role in attracting pollinators. about 350 plant species have them as a component of floral fragrance. their ability to attract insects, particularly "bactrocera" fruit flies (particularly, "bactrocera dorsalis" male flies) was first noticed in 1915 by f. m. howlett. the compound may have evolved in response to pathogens, as methyl eugenol has some antifungal activity. it also repels many insects.