Insect Visual Pigment sensitive to Ultraviolet Light

Hamdorf, Kurt; Schwemer, Joachim; Gogala, Matija

doi:10.1038/231458a0

Cited by 65 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The first visual pigment responsible for UV sensitivity was not directly characterized until nearly 50 years ago, in an owlfly (Hamdorf et al, 1971), and a Drosophila UV opsin was fully sequenced a few years later (Zuker et al, 1987). The first vertebrate UV visual pigment was identified in a fish, the dace (Hárosi and Hashimoto, 1983); subsequently, UV opsins were sequenced from goldfish and mice (Chiu et al, 1994;Johnson et al, 1993).…”

Section: Uv Visual Pigmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Photoreception and vision in the ultraviolet

Cronin

Bok

2016

Journal of Experimental Biology

154

128

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Ultraviolet (UV) light occupies the spectral range of wavelengths slightly shorter than those visible to humans. Because of its shorter wavelength, it is more energetic (and potentially more photodamaging) than 'visible light', and it is scattered more efficiently in air and water. Until 1990, only a few animals were recognized as being sensitive to UV light, but we now know that a great diversity, possibly even the majority, of animal species can visually detect and respond to it. Here, we discuss the history of research on biological UV photosensitivity and review current major research trends in this field. Some animals use their UV photoreceptors to control simple, innate behaviors, but most incorporate their UV receptors into their general sense of vision. They not only detect UV light but recognize it as a separate color in light fields, on natural objects or living organisms, or in signals displayed by conspecifics. UV visual pigments are based on opsins, the same family of proteins that are used to detect light in conventional photoreceptors. Despite some interesting exceptions, most animal species have a single photoreceptor class devoted to the UV. The roles of UV in vision are manifold, from guiding navigation and orientation behavior, to detecting food and potential predators, to supporting high-level tasks such as mate assessment and intraspecific communication. Our current understanding of UV vision is restricted almost entirely to two phyla: arthropods and chordates (specifically, vertebrates), so there is much comparative work to be done.

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Section: Uv Visual Pigmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Photoreception and vision in the ultraviolet

Cronin

Bok

2016

Journal of Experimental Biology

154

128

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“…Despite this, the visual systems of most animals are sensitive to blue wavelengths, and many species can also detect ultraviolet wavelengths (e.g. Hamdorf et al 1971;Silberglied 1979;Hawryshyn 1992;Fleishman et al 1993;Cuthill 2006;Lim & Li 2006a;Bowmaker 2008). As a consequence, the short-wavelength region of the spectrum must be considered in the production of either cryptic or conspicuous signals.…”

Section: Short-wavelength Coloursmentioning

confidence: 99%

Iridescence: a functional perspective

Doucet

Meadows

2009

J. R. Soc. Interface.

282

289

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In animals, iridescence is generated by the interaction of light with biological tissues that are nanostructured to produce thin films or diffraction gratings. Uniquely among animal visual signals, the study of iridescent coloration contributes to biological and physical sciences by enhancing our understanding of the evolution of communication strategies, and by providing insights into physical optics and inspiring biomimetic technologies useful to humans. Iridescent colours are found in a broad diversity of animal taxa ranging from diminutive marine copepods to terrestrial insects and birds. Iridescent coloration has received a surge of research interest of late, and studies have focused on both characterizing the nanostructures responsible for producing iridescence and identifying the behavioural functions of iridescent colours. In this paper, we begin with a brief description of colour production mechanisms in animals and provide a general overview of the taxonomic distribution of iridescent colours. We then highlight unique properties of iridescent signals and review the proposed functions of iridescent coloration, focusing, in particular, on the ways in which iridescent colours allow animals to communicate with conspecifics and avoid predators. We conclude with a brief overview of noncommunicative functions of iridescence in animals. Despite the vast amount of recent work on animal iridescence, our review reveals that many proposed functions of iridescent coloration remain virtually unexplored, and this area is clearly ripe for future research.

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“…His electrophysiological studies revealed that the dorsofrontal part of the eye is sensitive to UV light and he concluded that this might be important in hunting prey (Gogala, 1967). His finding that the eyes of owlflies are sensitive to UV light is interesting and ini tiated a series of studies that led to a better understanding of UV vision not only in insects, but also in other ani mals (Gogala et al, 1970;Hamdorf et al, 1971;Schwemer et al, 1971;Paulsen & Schwemer, 1972;Hamdorf & Gogala, 1973; for review, see Hamdorf, 1979). Recent studies on Ascalaphus by Gribakin et al (1995) indicate that the large photoreceptor cells R1-R6 in the ventrolateral part of the eye of Ascalaphus macaronius, are maximally sensitive in the green region of the spec trum (Amax = 520 nm), whereas the small photoreceptor cells R7 and R8 are maximally sensitive in the ultraviolet region (Amax = 343 nm).…”

Section: Uv Vision In Predatory European Owlfliesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultraviolet vision in European owlflies (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae): a critical review

Kral¹

2002

Eur. J. Entomol.

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Abstract. This review critically examines the ecological costs and benefits of ultraviolet vision in European owlflies. On the one hand it permits the accurate pursuit of flying prey, but on the other, it limits hunting to sunny periods. First the physics of detecting short wave radiation are presented. Then the advantages and disadvantages of the optical specializations necessary for UV vision are discussed. Finally the question of why several visual pigments are involved in UV vision is addressed.

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Insect Visual Pigment sensitive to Ultraviolet Light

Cited by 65 publications

References 6 publications

Photoreception and vision in the ultraviolet

Photoreception and vision in the ultraviolet

Iridescence: a functional perspective

Ultraviolet vision in European owlflies (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae): a critical review

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