The Fascinating Vision of Dragonflies
Dragonflies, with their iridescent wings and agile flight, are among the most intriguing creatures in the insect world. But what truly sets them apart is their extraordinary vision. Dragonflies possess a visual system that is far superior to that of many other animals, including humans.To get more news about dragonfly eyes, you can visit shine news official website.
Dragonflies have two large compound eyes, each composed of thousands of lenses. These eyes are capable of capturing light and transmitting information about the visual scene to interneurons for further processing. In addition to these compound eyes, dragonflies also have three simple eyes.
The retinas of dragonflies contain several thousand photoreceptors that collect light. These photoreceptors play a crucial role in the dragonflies’ ability to perceive their environment and stabilize their flight during the day1. The dragonflies’ eyes are surrounded by a panoramic ultraviolet and green light display, which stimulates the large interneurons in the retina of the insect’s middle eye.
Dragonflies’ vision is not just about seeing in high resolution. They also see the world in ultra-multicolour. Humans, with our tri-chromatic vision, perceive colours as a combination of red, blue, and green. This is due to the three types of light-sensitive proteins in our eyes, known as opsins. Dragonflies, however, have a much more complex visual system.
A study of 12 dragonfly species found that each one has no fewer than 11, and some a whopping 30, different visual opsins2. These opsins allow dragonflies to detect a wide range of colours, far beyond the capabilities of human vision2. Dragonflies use different opsins at different ages, and the larvae of some species that hatch in sand tend to lack blue opsins.
Dragonflies can see ultraviolet light on top of blue, green, and red. They can also recognise polarised light coming off reflective surfaces like water2. This enhanced colour discrimination likely gives dragonflies a significant advantage in their environment, aiding in everything from hunting to mating.
Dragonfly vision is thought to be like slow motion for humans. They see around 200 images per second, and a dragonfly can see in 360 degrees3. Nearly 80 per cent of the insect’s brain is dedicated to its sight, which is a testament to the importance of vision in the life of a dragonfly.
In conclusion, the vision of dragonflies is a marvel of nature. Their ability to see the world in ultra-multicolour, coupled with their high-speed vision and panoramic view, makes them one of the most visually adept creatures on the planet. As we continue to study these fascinating insects, we may uncover even more secrets about their extraordinary vision.
