Progress in research on the compound eye structure and visual navigation of insects
Author of the article:WEN Chao1** MA Tao1 WANG Cai1 WEN Jun-Bao2 JI Ying-Chao3 WEN Xiu-Jun1***
Author's Workplace:1. College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; 2. College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; 3. College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
Key Words:photoreceptor; compound eyes; vision; orientation; navigation
Abstract:
The compound eye is the main visual
organ of insects and has the function of sensing size, shape and color. Research on the compound
eye’s structure is the basis for understanding insect vision and the role of
the visual cues in insect behavior. Compound eyes are usually
categorized into two major types; apposition, and superposition, eyes.
Superposition eyes perform well in low intensity light but have low resolution,
whereas apposition eyes do not perform as well in low intensity light but have
higher resolution. Most diurnal insects have apposition eyes whereas
superposition eyes are mainly found in nocturnal species. Molecular biology,
electroantennogram experiments and behavioral analyses reveal that insects are
most sensitive to ultraviolet, blue and green light. Insects use celestial cues
and ground targets for orientation and navigation, including the polarization
of light from celestial bodies and the contrast between landmarks and
background color. Different kinds of cues may be used simultaneously. Vision
plays a crucial role in the process of finding hosts, mates and oviposition
sites, and should not be underestimated in entomological research. Knowledge of
phototaxis can provide a theoretical basis for the environmentally-friendly
control of pests, such as developing species-specific traps.